U.S. patent application number 12/568489 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for portable drilling rig apparatus and assembly method.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL DRILLING EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC. Invention is credited to Philip Wasterval.
Application Number | 20110072737 12/568489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43778735 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110072737 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wasterval; Philip |
March 31, 2011 |
PORTABLE DRILLING RIG APPARATUS AND ASSEMBLY METHOD
Abstract
A portable drilling rig apparatus includes a rig floor having a
pedestal structure thereon, the pedestal structure comprising a
lower pivot point and a lower attachment point and wherein the
pedestal structure is configured to be rotated to a vertical
position about the lower pivot point. The drilling rig further
includes a mast structure having a mast pivot point at a lower end
of the mast structure wherein the mast pivot point is configured to
be pinned to an upper pivot point of the pedestal structure.
Inventors: |
Wasterval; Philip; (Edwards,
CO) |
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL DRILLING EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, LLC
Spring
TX
|
Family ID: |
43778735 |
Appl. No.: |
12/568489 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/115 ; 403/335;
52/116; 52/118; 52/745.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 2200/50 20180801;
E21B 7/023 20130101; E21B 7/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/115 ; 52/116;
52/745.18; 403/335; 52/118 |
International
Class: |
E21B 7/02 20060101
E21B007/02; E21B 15/00 20060101 E21B015/00; F16B 1/00 20060101
F16B001/00; E04H 12/34 20060101 E04H012/34 |
Claims
1. A portable drilling rig apparatus comprising: a rig floor having
a pedestal structure thereon; the pedestal structure comprising a
lower pivot point and a lower attachment point; wherein the
pedestal structure is configured to be rotated to a vertical
position about the lower pivot point; a mast structure having a
mast pivot point at a lower end of the mast structure; wherein the
mast pivot point is configured to be pinned to an upper pivot point
of the pedestal structure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one
hydraulic cylinder configured to pivot the mast structure about the
mast pivot point to erect the mast structure.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one end of the at
least one hydraulic cylinder is configured to be removably
attachable at multiple locations on the rig floor.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rig floor is hydraulically
actuated to be elevated to a specified height.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, the mast structure further comprising
at least one mast leg configured to secure the mast structure in a
vertical position.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mast structure further
comprises telescoping mast sections.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a latch configured
to restrict movement between an inner mast section and an outer
mast section of the mast structure.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the telescoping mast sections
are hydraulically extended.
9. A method to assemble a portable drilling rig, the method
comprising: providing a pedestal structure on a rig floor; the
pedestal structure comprising a lower pivot point, a lower
attachment point, and an upper pivot point; aligning a mast
structure and the pedestal structure; pinning a mast pivot point
located at a lower end of the mast structure to the upper pivot
point of the pedestal structure; pivoting the pedestal structure
from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical position;
moving the mast structure in a horizontal direction toward a center
of the rig floor; securing the lower attachment point of the
pedestal structure to a corresponding attachment point on the rig
floor; erecting the mast structure from a substantially horizontal
position to a vertical position about a pivot point between the
mast structure and the pedestal structure; securing the mast
structure in a vertical position.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising elevating the rig
floor to a specified height.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising extending a mast leg
from the mast structure to the rig floor to secure the mast
structure in a vertical position.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein erecting the mast structure
comprises extending at least one hydraulic cylinder attached to the
mast structure and the rig floor.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising extending multiple
telescoping mast sections of the mast structure to a final
height.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising latching the
multiple telescoping mast sections to prevent relative
movement.
15. A method to assemble a portable drilling rig, the method
comprising: attaching a mast structure to a pedestal structure on a
rig floor; and pivoting the pedestal structure from a horizontal
position to a vertical position about a lower pivot point and
securing the pedestal structure to the rig floor.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising erecting the mast
structure to a vertical position about a pivot point of the
pedestal structure.
17. An apparatus to restrict axial movement between an inner mast
section and an outer mast section, the apparatus comprising: a
latch mechanism pivotably connected to the inner mast section;
wherein the latch mechanism is configured to move between a
collapsed position and an extended position; a first cutout formed
in an outer surface of the inner mast section; wherein the latch
mechanism sits flush with the outer surface of the inner mast
section when the latch mechanism is in the collapsed position; a
second cutout formed in an inner surface of the outer mast section;
wherein the latch mechanism is configured to be extended radially
and engage the second cutout in the inner surface of the outer mast
section.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a spring
configured to bias the latch mechanism into the extended
position.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a cable to move
the latch between the collapsed position and the extended
position.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the latch mechanism is
configured to provide a path for load forces from the inner mast
section to be transmitted to the outer mast section.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to drilling
rigs. In particular, embodiments disclosed herein relate to
portable drilling rig apparatuses and related methods of
assembly.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] A drilling rig is used to drill a wellbore in a formation.
Drilling rigs may be large structures that house equipment used to
drill water wells, oil wells, or natural gas extraction wells.
Drilling rigs sample sub-surface mineral deposits, test rock, soil
and groundwater physical properties, and may also be used to
install sub-surface fabrications, such as underground utilities,
instrumentation, tunnels or wells. Drilling rigs may be mobile
equipment mounted on trucks, tracks, or trailers, or more permanent
land or marine-based structures (such as oil platforms). The term
"rig," therefore, generally refers to a complex of equipment that
is used to penetrate the surface of the earth's crust.
[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional drilling rig 30 is
shown. Drilling rig 30 includes a derrick 14, which provides a
support structure for a majority of the equipment used to raise and
lower a drillstring 25 into and out of a wellbore. The drillstring
25 may be an assembled collection of drillpipe, drill collars, or
any other assortment of tools, connected together and run into the
wellbore to facilitate the drilling of a well (drillpipe 16 is
shown in joints prior to being connected together). The drillstring
25 may be raised and lower into and out of the wellbore by the
draw-works 7, which includes a spool powered by a motor or other
power source 5. A drill line 12, which may be a thick, stranded
metal cable, is run from the draw-works 7 over a crown block 13 and
down through a travelling block 11. Typically, the crown block 13
remains stationary while the travelling block 11 moves vertically
with the drillstring 25. The combination of the crown block 13 and
the travelling block 11 provides a significant mechanical advantage
for lifting the drillstring 25. Further, a swivel 18 may be
attached to the travelling block 11 to allow rotation of the
drillstring 25 without twisting the travelling block 11.
[0006] The drilling rig 30 further includes a rotary table 20
mounted in a rig floor 21, which is used to rotate the drillstring
25 along with a kelly drive 19. Kelly drive 19, attached at an
upper end to the swivel 18 and at a lower end to the drillstring
25, is inserted through the rotary table 20 to rotate the
drillstring 25 (drillstring rotation shown by arrow "R"). Kelly
drive 19 may be square, hexagonal, or any other polygonal-shaped
tubing and is able to move freely vertically while the rotary table
20 rotates it. Alternatively, drilling rig 30 may include a top
drive (not shown) in place of kelly drive 19 and rotary table 20.
Additionally, blowout preventers ("BOPs") may be located below the
rig floor 21 and installed atop a wellhead 27 to prevent fluids and
gases from escaping from the wellbore. An annular BOP 23 and one or
more ram BOPs 24 are shown and are commonly understood in the
art.
[0007] During drilling operations, drilling fluid may be circulated
through the system to carry cuttings away from the bottom of the
wellbore as drilling progresses. Drilling fluid may be stored in
mud tanks 1 before being drawn through suction line 3 by mud pumps
4. Drilling fluid (drilling fluid route is indicated by arrows "F")
is then pumped from mud pumps 4 through a hose 6, up a stand pipe
8, through a flexible hose 9, and down into the wellbore. Drilling
fluid returning from the wellbore is routed through a flow line 28
to shakers 2, which are used to separate drill cuttings from the
drilling fluid before it is pumped back down the wellbore.
[0008] Drilling rigs may add considerable cost to the overall costs
of extracting oil or natural gas from underground reservoirs. This
may be due to large equipment needed to erect certain drilling rigs
or the difficulty of erecting certain drilling rigs in remote
locations where it may be more costly to transport the drilling
rig. Also, certain oil and natural gas wells may have a relatively
limited well life, i.e., the well has only a limited amount of gas
or oil capable of being extracted. Because of the reduced
production, to maintain profitable margins from drilling and
producing such a well, a less expensive drilling rig would be
desirable. Thus, there exists a need for an economical drilling rig
capable of being transported to remote and difficult to reach
locations.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a
portable drilling rig apparatus including a rig floor having a
pedestal structure thereon, the pedestal structure comprising a
lower pivot point and a lower attachment point and wherein the
pedestal structure is configured to be rotated to a vertical
position about the lower pivot point. The drilling rig further
includes a mast structure having a mast pivot point at a lower end
of the mast structure wherein the mast pivot point is configured to
be pinned to an upper pivot point of the pedestal structure.
[0010] In other aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a
method to assemble a portable drilling rig, the method including
providing a pedestal structure on a rig floor, the pedestal
structure comprising a lower pivot point, a lower attachment point,
and an upper pivot point. The method further includes aligning a
mast structure and the pedestal structure, pinning a mast pivot
point located at a lower end of the mast structure to the upper
pivot point of the pedestal structure, and pivoting the pedestal
structure from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical
position. Further, the method includes moving the mast structure in
a horizontal direction toward a center of the rig floor, securing
the lower attachment point of the pedestal structure to a
corresponding attachment point on the rig floor, erecting the mast
structure from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical
position about a pivot point between the mast structure and the
pedestal structure, and securing the mast structure in a vertical
position.
[0011] In other aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a
method to assemble a portable drilling rig, the method including
attaching a mast structure to a pedestal structure on a rig floor
and pivoting the pedestal structure from a horizontal position to a
vertical position about a lower pivot point and securing the
pedestal structure to the rig floor.
[0012] In other aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an
apparatus to restrict axial movement between an inner mast section
and an outer mast section, the apparatus including a latch
mechanism pivotably connected to the inner mast section wherein the
latch mechanism is configured to move between a collapsed position
and an extended position. The apparatus further includes a first
cutout formed in an outer surface of the inner mast section wherein
the latch mechanism sits flush with the outer surface of the inner
mast section when the latch mechanism is in the collapsed position,
and a second cutout formed in an inner surface of the outer mast
section, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to be extended
radially and engage the second cutout in the inner surface of the
outer mast section.
[0013] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a conventional
drilling rig.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable drilling rig
prior to assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable drilling rig at
a first intermediate assembly stage in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable drilling rig at
a second intermediate assembly stage in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIGS. 5-6 are perspective views of the portable drilling rig
at third and fourth intermediate assembly stages in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIGS. 7-8 are perspective views of the portable drilling rig
at fifth and sixth intermediate assembly stages in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9-10 are perspective views of the portable drilling rig
at seventh or eighth intermediate assembly stages in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a latch to secure
telescoping mast sections of the portable drilling rig in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to
portable drilling rig apparatuses and related methods of assembling
the portable drilling rig.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a portable
drilling rig 100 prior to assembly is shown in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure. The drilling rig 100
includes a base assembly 120 and a mast structure 110 configured to
be installed on the base assembly 120. The base assembly 120
includes a collapsible rig floor 122, which will be described
later.
[0024] Drilling rig 100 may further include a pedestal structure
130 that may be mounted on rig floor 122 and configured to link
mast structure 110 and rig floor 122, as well as aid with assembly
of the drilling rig 100. Pedestal structure 130 may include an
upper attachment point 132 configured to be pinned to a mast pivot
point 112 during assembly. Pedestal structure 130 may also include
a lower pivot point 134, which is pinned to rig floor 122, about
which pedestal structure 130 may pivot and a lower attachment point
136 where pedestal structure is pinned to rig floor 112 after being
positioned in a vertical position, as explained later. Initially,
as shown in FIG. 2, pedestal structure 130 may be laid over in a
substantially horizontal position, in which lower attachment point
136 is unpinned, thereby allowing pedestal structure 130 to freely
pivot about lower pivot point 134.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of portable
drilling rig 100 at a first intermediate assembly stage is shown in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. To begin
assembly, mast pivot point 112 of mast structure is aligned with
upper pivot points 132 of pedestal structure and pinned together.
Hydraulic cylinders 140, attached to mast structure 110 and a first
attachment point 142 on base assembly 120, may be used to properly
align mast pivot point 112 and upper pivot point 132 prior to
pinning them together. Once mast pivot point 112 and upper pivot
point 132 are pinned together, mast structure 110 is moved
horizontally in direction "H" toward a center 123 of rig floor 112.
Again, hydraulic cylinders 140 may be used to move mast structure
110 horizontally. Because mast structure 110 is pinned at mast
pivot point 112 to upper pivot point 132 of pedestal structure,
movement of mast structure 110 in direction H may pivot pedestal
structure upward about lower pivot point 134.
[0026] Now referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of portable
drilling rig 100 at a second intermediate assembly stage is shown
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Hydraulic
cylinders 140 continue to move mast structure 110 horizontally, and
pedestal structure 130 continues to rotate about lower pivot point
134 until lower attachment points 136 of pedestal structure 130 are
aligned with corresponding rig floor attachment points 124 of rig
floor 122. Once aligned, lower attachment points 136 and rig floor
attachment points 124 may be pinned, thereby securing pedestal
structure 130 to rig floor 112 and preventing pedestal structure
130 from pivoting about lower pivot points 134 any further.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, perspective views of
portable drilling rig 100 at third and fourth intermediate assembly
stages are shown in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. Hydraulic cylinders 140 previously used to move mast
structure 110 horizontally may be moved from first attachment point
142 (FIG. 4) and reattached to a second attachment point 144, which
provides the hydraulic cylinders 140 with a new range of motion
used to erect mast structure 110. As shown, hydraulic cylinders 140
may be extended to erect mast structure 110 as mast structure 110
pivots about the attachment between upper pivot point 132 and mast
pivot point 112.
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates mast structure 110 after it has been
raised to a final vertical position. As shown, hydraulic cylinders
140 may be fully extended to erect mast structure 110. To secure
mast structure to rig floor 122, a mast leg 114, which connects to
a point on mast structure 110 and rig floor 112, may be fully
extended and fastened. Once installed, hydraulic cylinders 140 may
be retracted, as they are no longer needed.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, perspective views of
portable drilling rig 100 at fifth and sixth intermediate assembly
stages are shown in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. After mast structure 110 is fully erected and secured,
rig floor 122 may be elevated to a specified height. As previously
described, this specified height is often driven by requirements
for the height of a crown block (13 in FIG. 1) or blowout
prevention equipment (23, 24 in FIG. 1) installed below rig floor
122, which will be understood by those skilled in the art. In
certain embodiments, a hydraulic system 126, mounted at a lower end
to skids 128 and an upper end to rig floor 112, may be used to
elevate rig floor 122. Those skilled in the art will understand
that pneumatic and mechanical systems may also be used.
[0030] FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of portable drilling
rig 100 during seventh and eighth intermediate assembly stages in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, at which
point mast structure 110 is extended to a final (drilling) height.
As shown, mast structure 110 may be configured as a telescoping
structure including multiple mast sections 111, 112, and 113, with
each mast section having a slightly smaller cross-sectional area
than the mast section below it. In this way, multiple mast sections
are able to fit within the mast section below it, thus allowing the
mast structure 110 to be collapsed to a shorter length for easier
transportation and handling during assembly. The mast sections may
be raised using hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical devices, or
other methods known to those skilled in the art.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional view of a latch
200 used to lock and restrict movement between the extended mast
sections of mast structure is shown in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure. Latch 200 may be installed on a smaller
inner mast section 210, or a mast section that fits inside a
slightly larger outer mast section 220. Inner mast section 210 has
a cavity or cutout 212 formed in an outer surface of inner mast
section 210 in which latch 200 may be positioned to sit flush with
an outer profile of inner mast section 210 (so that inner mast
section 210 is free to slide up and down within outer mast section
220 when latch 200 is collapsed). Similarly, outer mast section 220
has a corresponding cutout 222 formed in an inner surface of outer
mast section 220, into which latch 200 may extend to secure the two
mast sections relative to each other. Latch 200 is attached to
inner mast section 210 at an attachment point 216 about which latch
200 is able to pivot and move from a collapsed position to an
extended position (shown). Further, a spring 214 may be provided to
bias latch 200 into an extended position and a cable 218 (or other
device) may be provided to operate latch 200.
[0032] As such, when mast sections are extended (e.g., as shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10), latch 200 may be aligned with cavity 222 formed in
an inner surface of outer mast section 220, at which point latch
200 may be extended radially outward to engage cavity 222. When
engaged, latch 200 contacts a ledge 213 of inner section 210 and
ledge 223 of outer section 220, so that load forces (represented by
"F") may be transmitted from inner section 210, through latch 200,
and into outer section 220.
[0033] Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure for a
highly mobile and economical drilling rig capable of reaching
remote well locations. The unique pedestal structure eliminates a
need for large cranes or other lifting equipment typically required
to erect a mast structure, making the drilling rig easily portable
to various locations. Additionally, because less equipment is
required for assembly, initial assembly costs for setting up the
drilling rig may be reduced, which in turn may increase profit
margins from smaller or limited production wells.
[0034] While the present disclosure has been described with respect
to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art,
having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other
embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of
the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the
disclosure should be limited only by the attached claims.
* * * * *