U.S. patent application number 13/758406 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-08 for wellsite communication system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTELLISERV, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Intelliserv, LLC. Invention is credited to Lopek Drzewiecki, Theodore E. Zaleski, JR..
Application Number | 20130199845 13/758406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47750050 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130199845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zaleski, JR.; Theodore E. ;
et al. |
August 8, 2013 |
Wellsite Communication System and Method
Abstract
An apparatus for communication with a downhole tool linked to a
plurality of wired drill pipes includes a base. In addition, the
apparatus includes an extension assembly having a first end
pivotally coupled to the base and a second end. Further, the
apparatus includes a head assembly pivotally coupled to the second
end of the extension assembly. Still further, the apparatus
includes an interface connector moveably coupled to the head
assembly and configured to connect to an uphole end of the tool
string and form an interface link between a surface unit and the
downhole tool.
Inventors: |
Zaleski, JR.; Theodore E.;
(Spring, TX) ; Drzewiecki; Lopek; (Edmonton,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Intelliserv, LLC; |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
INTELLISERV, LLC
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
47750050 |
Appl. No.: |
13/758406 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61594719 |
Feb 3, 2012 |
|
|
|
61684559 |
Aug 17, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
175/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 47/01 20130101;
E21B 17/028 20130101; E21B 19/16 20130101; E21B 47/12 20130101;
E21B 19/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
175/40 |
International
Class: |
E21B 17/02 20060101
E21B017/02; E21B 47/01 20060101 E21B047/01 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for communication with a downhole tool, the
downhole tool being linked to a plurality of wired drill pipes
forming a tool string extending from the surface to the downhole
tool, the apparatus comprising: a base; an extension assembly
having a first end pivotally coupled to the base and a second end;
a head assembly pivotally coupled to the second end of the
extension assembly; an interface connector moveably coupled to the
head assembly and configured to connect to an uphole end of the
tool string and form an interface link between a surface unit and
the downhole tool.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extension assembly
comprises a first pair of parallel arms, an elbow, and a second
pair of parallel arms; wherein each of the first pair of arms has
an end pivotally coupled to the base and an end pivotally coupled
to the elbow; wherein each of the second pair of arms has an end
pivotally coupled to the elbow and an end pivotally coupled to the
head assembly.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the head assembly comprises: a
vertical gooseneck; a head bracket moveably coupled to the
gooseneck, wherein the head bracket is configured to move
vertically up and down relative to the gooseneck; a drive assembly
mounted to the head bracket; wherein the drive assembly is
configured to rotate the interface connector.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the vertical gooseneck further
comprises a vertically oriented guide rail and wherein the head
bracket comprises a follower configured to engaged with the guide
rail.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a centralizer
coupled to the gooseneck, wherein the centralizer comprises two
laterally spaced horizontally extending arms, and wherein each of
the arms of the centralizer has a first end and a second end
opposite the first end.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second ends of the arms of
the centralizer are flared away from one another.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the arms of the centralizer
are biased toward each other.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the arms of the centralizer
are biased with a coiled spring.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the vertical gooseneck further
comprises a stop member, the stop member configured to engage with
a tool joint of the drill string to align the interface connector
with the tool string.
10. A communication system for communicating with a downhole tool,
the downhole tool being linked to a plurality of wired drill pipes
forming a tool string extending from the surface to the downhole
tool, the communication system comprising: a surface unit
configured to receive a signal from the downhole tool; and a
communication interface electrically coupled to the surface unit
and configured to receive the signal from the downhole tool and
direct the signal to the surface unit; wherein the communication
interface comprises: a base; an extension assembly having a first
end pivotally coupled to the base and a second end; a head assembly
pivotally coupled to the second end of the extension assembly; an
interface connector moveably coupled to the head assembly and
configured to connect to an uphole end of the tool string and form
an interface link between the surface unit and the downhole
tool.
11. The communication system of claim 10, wherein the extension
assembly comprises a first pair of parallel arms, an elbow, and a
second pair of parallel arms; wherein each of the first pair of
arms has an end pivotally coupled to the base and an end pivotally
coupled to the elbow; wherein each of the second pair of arms has
an end pivotally coupled to the elbow and an end pivotally coupled
to the head assembly.
12. The communication system of claim 11, wherein the head assembly
comprises: a vertical gooseneck; a head bracket moveably coupled to
the gooseneck, wherein the head bracket is configured to move
vertically up and down relative to the gooseneck; a drive assembly
mounted to the head bracket; wherein the drive assembly is
configured to rotate the interface connector.
13. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the vertical
gooseneck further comprises a vertically oriented guide rail and
wherein the head bracket comprises a follower configured to engaged
with the guide rail.
14. The communication system of claim 12, further comprising a
centralizer coupled to the gooseneck, wherein the centralizer
comprises two laterally spaced horizontally extending arms, and
wherein each of the arms of the centralizer has a first end and a
second end opposite the first end.
15. The communication system of claim 14, wherein the second ends
of the arms of the centralizer are flared away from one
another.
16. The communication system of claim 15, wherein the arms of the
centralizer are biased toward each other.
17. The communication system of claim 16, wherein the arms of the
centralizer are biased with a coiled spring.
18. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the vertical
gooseneck further comprises a stop member, the stop member
configured to engage with a tool joint of the drill string to align
the interface connector with the tool string.
19. A method for communicating with a downhole tool, the downhole
tool being linked to a plurality of wire drill pipes forming a tool
string extending from the surface to the downhole tool, the method
comprising: (a) providing an interface connector on a communication
interface; (b) extending the communication interface horizontally
to position the interface connector substantially over an uphole
end of the tool string; (c) lowering the interface connector with
the communication interface until the interface connector engages
the uphole end of the tool string; and (d) connecting the interface
connector to the tool string to form a communication link between
the interface connector and the tool string.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein (d) comprises threading the
interface connector into the upper end of the tool string.
21. The method of 20, wherein (d) comprises rotating the interface
connector with a pneumatic motor.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein (b) comprises extending an
extension member from a boom.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein (c) comprises sliding a sleeve
coupled to the boom along an upright mast.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein (b) comprises extending an
extension assembly including a base, a first pair of arms pivotally
coupled to the base, and a second pair of arms pivotally coupled to
the first pair of arms with an elbow; wherein the interface
connector is coupled to the second pair of arms.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein (c) comprises extending an
actuator coupled to a head assembly comprising a gooseneck and a
cable, wherein a first end of cable is coupled to the gooseneck and
a second end of the cable is coupled to the interface
connector.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein (c) comprises slidingly
engaging a gooseneck of the head assembly with a head bracket.
27. The method of 26, wherein (c) further comprises slidingly
engaging a follower mounted to the head bracket with a guide rail
mounted to the gooseneck.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein (b) comprises aligning the
interface connector with the tool string with a pair of laterally
spaced horizontally extending arms, wherein each of the arms has a
first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the
second ends of the arms are flared away from one another, and
wherein the arms are biased toward each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/594,719 filed Feb. 3, 2012, and entitled
"Wellsite Communication System and Method," and to U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/684,559 filed on Aug. 17, 2012, and
entitled "Wellsite Communication System and Method," both of which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The invention relates generally to a communication system
for a wellsite. More particularly, the invention relates to a
surface communication system with a communication interface
configured to connect to a downhole system, such as a wired drill
pipe system.
[0004] Oil rigs are positioned at wellsites to locate and gather
valuable downhole fluids. Downhole tools, such as drilling tools,
may be deployed from a surface platform of the oil rig, and
advanced into the earth to form a wellbore. The drilling tool (with
a bit at a downhole end thereof) may be advanced into the earth by
adding a series of drill pipes thereto. Each drill pipe may be
added at the surface platform to form a drill string. A top drive
unit may be used to hoist, lower, and/or rotate the drill string,
and may have a data swivel that is connectable to the drill pipe to
provide a connection for communication with a surface unit. Fluid,
such as drilling mud, may be passed through the drill string to
cool the drill bit and circulated back to the surface to remove
cuttings during drilling.
[0005] The drilling tool may be provided with a telemetry system
for communication with the surface. The telemetry system may be,
for example, a wired drill pipe ("WDP") telemetry system for
communicating with a surface unit. With WDP telemetry, each drill
pipe is provided with electrical devices for passing signals
through the drill string. Examples of WDP telemetry are provided in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,670,880 and 6,641,434. The WDP telemetry system
may be connected to surface units using various communication links
as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,118.
[0006] During certain operations, such as `tripping` (i.e.
inserting or removing at least a part of the drill string,
typically while disconnected from the top drive), communication
with the drill string may be interrupted. During such `tripping,`
the drill string may be disconnected from surface communication
devices, thereby resulting in a loss of communication between the
surface equipment and the drilling tool. Techniques for providing
communication during tripping involving WDP telemetry are described
in US Patent Application Nos. 20100243324 and 20100243325. However,
many of these techniques suffer from deficiencies and other
shortcomings. For example, many conventional designs involve
modification of equipment disposed on the drilling rig and the
installation of wiring and controls within the derrick of the rig
itself, both of which are time consuming, relatively expensive, and
difficult to maintain.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] These and other needs in the art are addressed in one
embodiment by an apparatus for communication with a downhole tool
linked to a plurality of wired drill pipes forming a tool string
extending from the surface to the downhole tool. In an embodiment,
the apparatus comprises a base. In addition, the apparatus
comprises an extension assembly having a first end pivotally
coupled to the base and a second end. Further, the apparatus
comprises a head assembly pivotally coupled to the second end of
the extension assembly. Still further, the apparatus comprises an
interface connector moveably coupled to the head assembly and
configured to connect to an uphole end of the tool string and form
an interface link between a surface unit and the downhole tool.
[0008] These and other needs in the art are addressed in another
embodiment by a communication system for communicating with a
downhole tool linked to a plurality of wired drill pipes forming a
tool string extending from the surface to the downhole tool. In an
embodiment, the system comprises a surface unit configured to
receive a signal from the downhole tool. In addition, the system
comprises a communication interface electrically coupled to the
surface unit and configured to receive the signal from the downhole
tool and direct the signal to the surface unit. The communication
interface comprises a base. The communication interface also
comprises an extension assembly having a first end pivotally
coupled to the base and a second end. Moreover, the communication
interface comprises a head assembly pivotally coupled to the second
end of the extension assembly. Still further, the communication
interface comprises an interface connector moveably coupled to the
head assembly and configured to connect to an uphole end of the
tool string and form an interface link between the surface unit and
the downhole tool.
[0009] These and other needs in the art are addressed in another
embodiment by a method for communicating with a downhole tool
linked to a plurality of wire drill pipes forming a tool string
extending from the surface to the downhole tool. In an embodiment,
the method comprises (a) providing an interface connector on a
communication interface. In addition, the method comprises (b)
extending the communication interface horizontally to position the
interface connector substantially over an uphole end of the tool
string. Further, the method comprises (c) lowering the interface
connector with the communication interface until the interface
connector engages the uphole end of the tool string. Still further,
the method comprises (d) connecting the interface connector to the
tool string to form a communication link between the interface
connector and the tool string.
[0010] Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of
features and advantages intended to address various shortcomings
associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The
foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical
advantages of the invention in order that the detailed description
of the invention that follows may be better understood. The various
characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the
following detailed description, and by referring to the
accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed
may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the invention. It
should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such
equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of
the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1 is a schematic side view of a wellsite having a
surface communication system and a downhole tool with a downhole
communication system, the surface communication system including a
surface unit and a portable communication interface;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the wellsite of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIGS. 3-7 are schematic perspective views of a communication
interface as it is moved into position for communication with a
drill string;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a communication connector
usable with the communication interface in accordance with the
principles disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a communication
interface in a retracted position in accordance with the principles
disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side view of the communication interface of
FIG. 9 in an extended position;
[0018] FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the base of FIG. 9;
[0019] FIG. 12 is an exploded side view of the extension assembly
of FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of the head assembly of
FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along section
XIII-XIII of FIG. 13;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a top view of the head bracket of FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional front view of
the drive assembly and communication connector of FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a side view of the communication interface of
FIG. 9 in a stowed position;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
communication interface in a retracted position in accordance with
the principles disclosed herein;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a side view of the communication interface of
FIG. 18 in an extended position;
[0027] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the pedestal of
the communication interface of FIG. 18;
[0028] FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the base of the
communication interface of FIG. 18;
[0029] FIG. 22 is a partially schematic cross-sectional view taken
along section XXII-XXII of FIG. 18;
[0030] FIG. 23 shows a partially schematic cross-sectional view
taken along section XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 18; and
[0031] FIG. 24 is a schematic side view of a communication
connector usable with the communication interface in accordance
with the principles disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The following discussion is directed to various exemplary
embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that
the examples disclosed herein have broad application, and that the
discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that
embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the
disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that
embodiment.
[0033] Certain terms are used throughout the following description
and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one
skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to
the same feature or component by different names. This document
does not intend to distinguish between components or features that
differ in name but not function. The drawing figures are not
necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be
shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some
details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of
clarity and conciseness.
[0034] 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.
. . ." Also, the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to mean
either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device
couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct
connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices,
components, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms
"axial" and "axially" generally mean along or parallel to a central
axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms
"radial" and "radially" generally mean perpendicular to the central
axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured
along or parallel to the central axis, and a radial distance means
a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis.
[0035] Embodiments of devices, systems, and methods disclosed
herein relate to a communication system for providing a
communication link between a surface unit and a downhole tool. The
communication system may be a portable communication interface
positionable at the wellsite (e.g., rig floor), for example during
tripping, for connection to an uphole end of a tool string of the
downhole tool. The communication interface may be provided with
devices for positioning an interface connector for connection to
the tool string. The communication interface may also be provided
with devices for communication with one or more onsite or offsite
surface units and/or computers.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein a wellsite 10
including a surface portion 102 and a downhole portion 104 is
shown. The downhole portion 104 is disposed in a wellbore 105 and
includes a downhole tool 106 with a bit 108 at an end thereof, and
a series of drill pipes 110 forming a tool string 112 (e.g., a
drill string). Each of the drill pipes 110 is a wired drill pipe
provided with a wire 114 and a coupler 116 at each end of the wired
drill pipe for forming a downhole communication link through the
drill string 112. Examples of wired drill pipe are described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,670,880 and/or 6,641,434, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated herein.
[0037] The surface portion 102 includes a derrick 120 on a platform
122. An uphole end 124 of the drill string 112 is positioned
through the platform 122. In this embodiment, a box-type female
connector 127 is disposed at the uphole end 124 of drill string
112. The surface portion 102 also includes an elevator 126, a top
drive 128, and draw works (not shown) for positioning and threading
a new drill pipe 130 to the uphole end 124 of drill string 112.
[0038] The surface portion 102 also includes a surface
communication system 132 for communicating with the downhole tool
106. The surface communication system 132 includes a surface unit
134 and a communication interface 100. The surface unit 134 may be,
for example, one or more computers for receiving, processing,
analyzing, sending or otherwise handling data from the surface
portion 102 and/or downhole portion 104. The surface unit 134 may
be linked to the surface portion 102, a network 138, and/or one or
more offsite computers 140 by links 142a,b,c, respectively.
[0039] As is best shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the
communication interface 100 is automatically, manually, and/or
remotely operated by an operator 153 and/or one or more controllers
151, which may be disposed on the surface unit 134. In this
embodiment, an operator 153 is positioned at the surface unit 134
which, in this embodiment, is located on the platform 122 but
outside of a red zone 155 (i.e. an area around the wellbore where
the drill pipe installation is performed and where most operations
on the rig occur; see, e.g., www.dropsonline.org) of the wellsite
10.
[0040] The link 142a is used to link the surface unit 134 to the
top drive 128. The uphole end 124 of the drill string 112 may be
provided with a surface connector (not shown) for linking to the
top drive 128 and the surface unit 134. Examples of a surface
connector are provided in US U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,118; Application
Nos. 20100243324; and/or 20100243325, the entire contents of which
are hereby incorporated by reference herein. When the top drive 128
is connected to the uphole end 124 of the drill string 112, the
surface unit 134 may be in communication with the downhole tool 106
through the link 142a. During such connection, the communication
link 142a may be used to pass power and/or data signals between the
downhole tool 106 and the surface unit 134.
[0041] In some cases, such as during tripping, the uphole end 124
of the drill string 112 is disconnected from the top drive 128 as
shown in FIG. 1. During such disconnected conditions, the
communication interface 100 is positioned at the wellsite 100 in
order to provide communication between the downhole tool 106 and
the surface unit 134 to form an `interface link` therebetween. The
communication interface 100 is then used to establish a link 142d
with the downhole portion 104 and a link 142e with the surface unit
134 for providing communication therebetween as schematically
shown. The configuration of the communication interface 100
provides a portable and floor mounted configuration for use at the
wellsite 10. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the
communication interface 100 may be either integrated or
non-integrated with the surface equipment at the rig (e.g., iron
roughnecks, top drives, elevators, etc.).
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein an embodiment of the
communication interface 100, for connection to the uphole end 124
of the drill string 112 is shown. In general, interface 100
comprises a base 240, a frame 250 coupled to the base 240, a head
assembly 280, and an interface connector positioning apparatus
260.
[0043] Frame 250 generally includes a central longitudinal axis
255, a first or upper end 250a, and a second or lower end 250b
opposite the upper end 250a. In this embodiment, the lower end 250b
includes a plurality of lower members 252 oriented along a plane
that is perpendicular to the axis 255. In this embodiment, lower
end 250b comprises a first pair of members 252a and second pair of
members 252b. Each of the members 252a is parallel to one another,
while each of the members 252b is parallel to one another. Further,
each of the members 252a extends between each of the members 252b
in a direction that is perpendicular to each of the members 252b,
while each of the members 252b extends between each of the members
252a in a direction that is perpendicular to each of the members
252a. Thus, the members 252a, b are arranged about the axis 255 in
a generally rectangular configuration, such that a corner 253 is
formed at the intersection points of each member 252a,b. Upper end
250a includes a plurality of upper members 256 oriented along a
plane that is perpendicular to the axis 255 and axially separated
from the members 252 of lower end 250b. In this embodiment, upper
end 250a comprises a first pair of members 256a and a second pair
of members 256b. Each of the members 256a is parallel to one
another, while each of the members 256b is parallel to one another.
Further, each of the members 256 extends between each of the
members 256b in a direction that is perpendicular to each of the
members 256b, while ach of the members 256b extends between each of
the members 256a in a direction that is perpendicular to each of
the members 256a. Thus, the members 256a, b are arranged about the
axis 255 in a generally rectangular configuration, such that a
corner 257 is formed at the intersection point of each member 256a,
b. In this embodiment, each of the corners 257 is axially aligned
with each of the corners 253. A plurality of vertical members 258
extend axially between each corner 253 and corresponding corner
257. Furthermore, a plurality of coupling members 259 are disposed
at each of the corners 257 on upper end 250a to allow a lifting
device (e.g., a crane) to lift and/or position interface 100.
Additionally, in this embodiment, a plurality of cross-members 247
each extend generally diagonally between a pair of corners 253,
257, such that the stability and/or structural rigidity of frame
250 is enhanced.
[0044] Base 240 is disposed on the frame 250 at the lower end 250a.
More particularly, in this embodiment, base 240 is coupled to and
extends between the members 252b. An electrical junction box 248 is
disposed on the base 240 and, as will be described in more detail
below, provides an electrical connection site for electrical
conductors or cables 249 which are routed to interface connector
284. An upright post or mast 242 is coupled to the base 240,
adjacent the box 248 and extends axially upward therefrom along a
longitudinal axis 245. In this embodiment, the axis 245 is
generally parallel to and radially offset from the axis 255. A
support sleeve 244 is slidingly disposed about the mast 242 such
that sleeve 244 may traverse axially along the mast 242 and may
rotate about the axis 265. In general, any suitable method for
inducing axial and/or rotational motion of a mechanical member may
be utilized for sleeve 244. For example, in some embodiments, a
pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder is disposed inside mast 242 to
induce axial movement of sleeve 244. Additionally, in some
embodiments, sleeve 244 may include one or more radially inwardly
extending pins which engage with one or more corresponding grooves
disposed on the outer surface of mast 242. These grooves guide and
induce rotation of sleeve 244 as sleeve 244 is traversed axially
along mast 242. Sleeve 244 generally comprises a first or upper end
244a and a second or lower end 244b opposite the upper end 244a. In
this embodiment, the upper end 244a comprises a connection flange
246. A substantially horizontal boom 260 is disposed at the upper
end 244a of sleeve 244, and generally includes a first or proximal
end 260a, a second or distal end 260b opposite the proximal end
260a, and a connection flange 262 disposed between the ends 260a,
b, proximate the proximal end 260a. Connection flange 262 is
coupled to the flange 246, thus securing the boom 260 to the sleeve
244 such that boom 260 is oriented substantially perpendicular to
sleeve 244. Boom 260 is substantially hollow and thus has an inner
receptacle 264 which extends from the distal end 260b toward the
proximal end 260a. An extension member 270 is disposed within the
receptacle 264 and supports head assembly 280 on a distal end
thereof. Further, member 270 is configured to extend from and
retract within the receptacle 264 at the distal end 260b in order
to extend and withdrawal head assembly 280, respectively. For
example, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder can be disposed within
member 270 to allow member 270 to extend from or retract within
receptacle 264 during operation.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4, head assembly 280 generally
comprises a central axis 285, a driver 282, and an interface
connector 284 disposed axially below the driver 282. As will be
described in more detail below, driver 282 is configured to rotate
the connector 284 about the axis 285 in order to engage the upper
end 124 of the drill string 112 during operations. Referring
briefly now to FIG. 8, wherein an embodiment of the interface
connector 284 is shown. Connector 284 generally comprises a body
286 which further includes a central longitudinal axis 287, which
is aligned with axis 285 during operation, a first or upper end
286a, a second or lower end 286b opposite the upper end 286a, a
mid-body radial projection or flange 283 axially positioned between
the ends 286a, b, an attachment section 288 extending axially from
the upper end 286a to the flange 283, and an interface engagement
section 290 extending axially from the flange 283 to the lower end
286b.
[0046] Attachment section 288 generally comprises a manual
engagement surface 281 disposed axially adjacent the flange 283 and
configured to receive a manual engagement member (not shown) (e.g.,
a wrench), and a slot 289 which extends axially from the upper end
286a. As will be described in more detail below, during operation,
slot 289 receives a torque transfer mechanism (not shown) coupled
to the output shaft (not shown) of the driver 282 engages with slot
296 in order to transfer torque from the driver 282 to the
connector 284. Engagement section 290 generally comprises a housing
294 disposed axially adjacent the flange 283 and an engagement tip
292 disposed axially below the housing 294. Housing 294 is
generally defined by a substantially cylindrical surface 294a
extending axially downward from the flange 283. Threads 296 are
disposed on the surface 294a proximate the flange 283, and as will
be described in more detail below, are configured to engage with
the threads disposed within the box-end connector 127 on the upper
end 124 of drill string 112. Further, in at least some embodiments
threads 296 are sized such that they require fewer turns to fully
make up the connection between the connector 284 and the uphole end
124, than would typically be necessary for other components
utilizing a conventional pin-end type connector. Additionally,
engagement tip 292 is generally defined by a first or upper
substantially cylindrical surface 29a extending axially from the
housing and a frustoconical surface 292b extending axially downward
from the surface 292a. Further, a radially oriented surface or
shoulder 295 extends between the surfaces 294a, 292a. As will be
described in more detail below, shoulder 295 is configured to abut
or engage with an inner shoulder of a box-end connection of the
upper end 124 of drill string 112, when the interface connector 284
is in a testing position. An induction coil (or induction coupler)
291 is disposed within the housing 294 proximate the shoulder 295,
and is configured to receive a signal from a corresponding coupling
(not shown) disposed on the inner shoulder the connector 127 of
uphole end 124. A conductor (e.g., a wire or cable) 292 extends
from the coupling 293 toward the upper end 286a, such that the
signal received by the coupling 291 can be routed through the
conductor 293 during operation. It should be appreciated that in
other embodiments, no slot 289 may be included on the connector
284, and some other attachment method, such as threads disposed on
the attachment section proximate the upper end 286a, may be used to
couple the connector to the head assembly 280.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, during operation, frame 250 may
be rested in position on the platform 122 a distance out of the way
of machinery used during operations (e.g., outside red zone 155),
and sufficiently close to the drill string 11 for connection
therewith. In some embodiments, the interface 236 may be
positioned, for example, from about 4 ft. to about 8 ft. from the
drill string 112. Further, to connect interface connector 284 to
uphole end 124 of drill string 112, the sleeve 244 is axially
elevated along mast 242 and is rotated about the axis 245 such that
the connector 284 is generally aligned with drill string 112 as
shown in FIG. 4. Thereafter, the extension member 270 extends out
of the receptacle 264 such that the axis 285 of connector 284 is
generally aligned with a central axis of the drill string 112, such
as is shown in FIG. 5. The sleeve 244 is then lowered along the
axis 245 such that the engagement section 292 of connector 284
engages with the uphole end 124, such as is shown in FIG. 6, and
the driver 282 drives the connector 284 to rotate about the axis
285 such that threads 296 engage with corresponding threads
disposed within connector 127 on uphole end 124 until the shoulder
295 on connector 284 abuts or engages with an inner shoulder of the
connector 127.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 7, once interface connector 284 fully
engages with the uphole end 124 of drill string 112, electrical
signals are routed through the induction coupler 291 in connector
284, through conductor 292, and the conductor(s) 249 into
electrical junction box 248 on base 240. The signals are then
routed to the surface unit 134 via conductor 142e.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, wherein another embodiment
of a communication interface 300 for connection to the uphole end
124 of the drill string 112 is shown is shown. In this embodiment,
communication interface 300 includes a base 301, an extension
assembly 310 coupled to the base 301, a head assembly 340 coupled
to extension assembly 310, and an interface connector 284,
previously described, coupled to head assembly 340. Extension
assembly 310 is designed to extend head assembly 340 to uphole end
124 and retract head assembly 340 from uphole end 124, and head
assembly 340 is designed to move interface connector 284 up and
down relative to uphole end 124 and rotate interface connector 348
to thread it into and out of uphole end 124. In the description to
follow, the terms "rearward" and "forward" are used to describe
relative horizontal positions of different components and parts of
communication interface 300. As used herein, "rearward" refers to
positions horizontally closer to base 301, and "forward" refers to
positions horizontally closer to interface connector 284.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, base 301 includes a horizontal
bottom plate 302, and a pair of vertical side plates 303 (note:
only one vertical side plate 303 is visible in FIGS. 9-11)
extending perpendicularly upward from the lateral sides of base
plate 302. Each side plate 303 includes a pair of arm mounting
holes 304a, 304b, an actuator mounting hole 305a, and a stowage
hole 305b. As will be described in more detail below, holes 305b
are employed while loading and unloading communication interface
300 from a storage crate (not shown). Base 301 may include a
rotation mechanism to allow base 301 to rotate in either direction
about a vertical axis to increase the degrees of freedom of
movement of interface connector 284.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, extension assembly 310
includes a first pair of parallel arms 311, 312, a second pair of
parallel arms 321, 322, an elbow 330 extending between arms 311,
312 and arms 321, 322, and a linking member 335 extending between
arms 312, 321. Although arms 311, 312 are parallel to each other,
and arms 321, 322 are parallel to each other, arms 321, 322 are
configured to move relative to arms 311, 312, and thus, are
generally not parallel to arms 311, 312.
[0052] Each arm 311, 312, 321, 322 is an elongate, linear, rigid
tubular having a first end 311a, 312a, 321a, 322a, respectively,
and a second end 311b, 312b, 321b, 322b, respectively, opposite
first end 311a, 312a, 321a, 322a, respectively. Elbow 330 comprises
a pair of parallel vertical plates 331 shaped as inverted
trapezoids (note: only one plate 331 is visible in FIGS. 9, 10, and
12). The non-parallel sides of each plate 331 include arm
connection holes 332. In addition, a coupling member 333 is
attached to plates 431 for connecting a shackle or other device
employed to lift communication interface 300 at elbow 330. Linking
member 335 is an elongate arm having ends 335a, 335b.
[0053] Ends 311a, 312a of the arms 311, 312, respectively, are
disposed between side plates 303 on base 301 and pivotally coupled
thereto, and ends 311b, 312b are disposed between elbow plates 331
and pivotally coupled thereto. Further, ends 321a, 322a of arms
321, 322, respectively, are disposed between elbow plates 331 and
pivotally thereto and ends 321b, 322b are pivotally coupled to head
assembly 340. In particular, each end 311a, 312a is pinned at hole
304a, 304b, in base 301, respectively, each end 311b, 312b is
pinned at one hole 332 of elbow 330, each end 321a, 322a is pinned
at one hole 332 of elbow 330, and each end 321b, 322b is pinned to
head assembly 340. In addition, arms 312, 321 are pivotally coupled
to ends 335a, 335b, respectively, of linking member 335 at points
that are proximate to ends 312b, 321a, respectively.
[0054] Extension assembly 310 has a fully retracted position shown
in FIG. 9 and a fully extended position shown in FIG. 10. Extension
assembly 310 is actuated between the retracted and extended
positions, as well as any intermediate positions between the fully
retracted and extended positions, with a linear actuator 306
extending between base 301 and arm 311. In particular, actuator 306
has a central or longitudinal axis 307, a first end 306a pivotally
coupled to arm 311 between ends 311a, 311b and a second end 306b
disposed between and pivotally coupled to side plates 303 of base
301 at hole 305a. Linear actuator 306 is configured to axially
extend and retract end 306a relative to end 306b. In general,
actuator 306 may be any suitable type of linear actuator including,
without limitation, a hydraulic cylinder, a motor that rotates a
threaded shaft, etc. In this embodiment, actuator 306 is a
pneumatic cylinder.
[0055] As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, as actuator 306 is extended
along axis 307 the arms 311, 312 rotate rearward (counterclockwise
in FIGS. 9 and 10) about ends 311a, 312a, respectively, thereby
moving ends 311b, 312b and elbow 330 to a position generally over
base 301. The movement of elbow 330 and link member 335 causes arms
321, 322 to rotate rearward or downward (clockwise in FIGS. 9 and
10) about ends 321a, 322a, respectively, thereby moving ends 321b,
322b and head assembly 340 toward and generally over base 301, and
moving arms 321, 322 towards arms 311, 312. Conversely, as actuator
306 is retracted along axis 307 the arms 311, 312 rotate forward
(clockwise in FIGS. 9 and 10) about ends 311a, 312a, respectively,
thereby moving ends 311b, 312b and elbow 330 from a position over
base 301 to a position forward of base 301. The movement of elbow
330 and link member 335 causes arms 321, 322 to rotate upward
(counterclockwise in FIGS. 9 and 10) about ends 321a, 322a,
respectively, thereby moving ends 321b, 322b and head assembly 340
away from base 301, and moving arms 321, 322 away from arms 311,
312. In this manner, the extension and retraction of actuator 306
can be used to move head assembly 340 toward and away from base
301, respectively, and to move head assembly 340 away and toward
uphole end 124 of the drill string 112, respectively. Extension
assembly 310 is sized and configured to extend to a horizontal
distance D measured from base 301 to drill string 112. In general,
the horizontal distance D can be varied depending on the particular
application. However, for most applications, the horizontal
distance D preferably ranges from 1.0 to 10.0 ft., and may more
preferably ranges from 4.0 to 8.0 ft. In this embodiment, the
horizontal distance D is approximately 8 ft. In other words, in
this embodiment extension assembly 310 is configured to move head
assembly 340 a horizontal distance D of up to approximately to 8
ft. from base 301. Accordingly, base 301 is preferably positioned
less than or equal to approximately 8 ft. from the uphole end 124
of the drillstring 112 during operation.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10, and 13, head assembly 340
includes a gooseneck 341 pivotally coupled to ends 321b, 322b of
arms 321, 322, respectively, a drillstring centralizer 350 mounted
to gooseneck 341, a head bracket 360 suspended from and moveably
coupled to gooseneck 341, and a drive assembly 370 coupled to head
bracket 360. Interface connector 284 is coupled to drive assembly
370, which is further configured to rotate interface connector 284
in both directions to thread it into and out of uphole end 124 of
drillstring 112 during operation.
[0057] Gooseneck 341 is an elongate beam having a central or
longitudinal axis 345, a first or upper end 341a, and a second or
lower end 341b opposite end 341a. A pulley 342 is rotatably
connected to upper end 341a, a cable coupling 343 is attached to
gooseneck 341 at upper end 341a rearward of pulley 342, and a pair
of parallel vertical connection plates 344 extend rearwardly (to
the left in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13) from lower end 341b (note: only
one plate 344 is visible in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13). Ends 321b, 322b
of arms 321, 322, respectively, are disposed between and pivotally
coupled to plates 344. In particular, each plate 344 includes an
upper arm mounting hole 344a and a pair of lower arm mounting holes
344b and 344c. Hole 344b is horizontally positioned rearward of
hole 344c and vertically positioned slightly above hole 344c. In
other words, hole 344c is radially disposed between hole 344b and
gooseneck 341 and axially slightly below hole 344b. As best shown
in FIGS. 9 and 10, ends 321b, 322b are pinned at holes 344a, 344c,
respectively, during operation of communication interface 300. As
best shown in FIG. 17, ends 321b, 322b are pinned at holes 344a,
344b, respectively, while stowing and transporting communication
interface 300. Holes 344a, 344c are positioned such that gooseneck
341 remains vertically oriented during operation of communication
interface 300 (i.e., extension and retraction of extension assembly
310). However, holes 344a, 344b are oriented such that gooseneck
341 is tilted backward or toward the fully retracted extension
assembly 310 during stowing and transport of communication
interface 300 (such as is shown in FIG. 17).
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, centralizer 350 is coupled to
gooseneck 341 proximal lower end 341b and includes a pair of
laterally spaced horizontally extending arms 351, 353. Arms 351,
353 each have a first or rearward end 351a, 353a, respectively, and
a second or forward end 351b, 353b, respectively, extending
horizontally from gooseneck 341. Arms 351, 353 are generally
parallel, however, forward ends 351b, 353b flare outwardly or away
from each other, thereby defining a funnel-shaped receptacle 352
between ends 351b, 353b, which is configured to receive drillstring
112. Rearward ends 351a, 353a of arms 351, 353, respectively, are
disposed between plates 344 and are pivotally coupled to gooseneck
341. In particular, arm 351 pivots about a vertical axis 355
extending through its rearward end 351a, while arm 353 pivots about
a vertical axis 357 extending through its rearward end 353a. By
pivoting arms 351, 353 about rearward ends 351a, 353a,
respectively, forward ends 351b, 353b can be moved in a horizontal
plane (i.e. a plane that is perpendicular to the axes 355, 357)
toward and away from each other. In this embodiment, forward ends
351b, 353b are biased toward each other. In particular, a biasing
member 452 has a first end 452a coupled to one arm 351 between its
ends 351a, 351b, and a second end 452b coupled to the other arm 353
between its ends 353a, 353b. In this embodiment, biasing member 452
is a resilient coil spring placed in tension between ends 352a,
352b, thereby urging forward ends 351b, 353b of arms 351, 353,
respectively together. As will be described in more detail below,
as uphole end 124 of drillstring 112 is received into receptacle
452 between arms 351, 353, the biasing action of centralizer 350
facilitates the alignment of head assembly 340 with uphole end 124
and laterally centers head assembly 340 relative to uphole end
124.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 15, head bracket 360 includes
a horizontal base plate 361 and a generally C-shaped vertical wall
362 extending perpendicularly upward from plate 361. Base plate 361
is symmetric about a horizontal central axis 365 and has a rearward
end 361a, a forward end 361b, and a recess or cutout 363 extending
along axis 365 from end 361a. Recess 363 defines a pair of arms
364. A through bore 366 extends vertically or radially with respect
to axis 365, through base plate 361 and is positioned between
recess 363 and forward end 36 lb. Wall 362 extends around recess
363 and has a lower end 362a fixed to base plate 361 and an upper
or free end 362b distal base plate 361. A cable coupling 367 is
attached to wall 362 at upper end 362b.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10, 13, and 15, head bracket 360
can be controllably moved vertically up and down relative to
gooseneck 341. More specifically, gooseneck 341 is slidably
disposed between arms 364 in receptacle 363. In addition, a linear
actuator 308, as previously described, has a lower end 308a coupled
to lower end 341b of gooseneck 341 and an upper end 308b coupled to
a pulley 368. A cable 368 extends under and around pulley 368, over
and around pulley 342, and has a first end 368a connected to cable
coupling 343, a second end 368b connected to cable coupling 367.
Extension of linear actuator 308 lowers head bracket 360 along
gooseneck 341, and contraction of linear actuator 308 raises head
bracket 360 along gooseneck 341. Thus, by controlling the extension
and contraction of actuator 308, the vertical position of head
bracket 360 is controlled. As will be described in more detail
below, positioning arms 364 on opposite sides of gooseneck 341
prevents head bracket 360 from rotating relative to gooseneck 341
about a vertical axis.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10, 13, and 16, drive assembly 370
includes a central axis 379, a gearbox 371 having an outer housing
373 mounted to plate 361 between wall 362 and end 361b, and a pair
of drive units 380a and 380b mounted to the gearbox 371 on opposing
sides of the axis 379. The drive units 380a, 380b include vertical
axes 385a, 385b, respectively, motors 372a, 372b with output shafts
378a, 378b substantially aligned with the axes 385a, 385b,
respectively, and torque transfer gears 374a, 374b, axially
disposed about the shafts 385a, 385b, respectively. Torque transfer
gears 374a, 374b and shafts 378a, 378b are rotatably disposed in
housing 373 and are configured to rotate about the axes 385a, 385b,
respectively. Further, an output drive shaft 375 extends downward
from housing 373 along the axis 379, through bore 366 on bracket
360 and a drive gear 376 is mounted to drive shaft 375, about the
axis 379, between gears 374a, 374b. Each torque transfer gear 374a,
374b engages and meshes with drive gear 376. Output shaft 375 has a
lower end comprising an internally threaded receptacle 377 that
threadably receives the upper externally threaded end 286a of
interface connector 284.
[0062] Motors 372a, 372b drive the rotation of gears 374a, 374b,
respectively, which in turn drive the rotation of gear 376, shaft
375, and interface connector 284. In general, each motor 372a, 372b
can be any motor known in the art including, without limitation, an
electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or the like.
In this embodiment, each motor 372a, 372b is a pneumatic motor.
Motors 372a, 372b rotate shaft 375 and interface connector 284 in a
first direction 379a to thread interface connector 284 into
connector 127 on uphole end 124 of drill string 112, and rotate
shaft 375 and interface connector 284 in a second direction 379b
that is opposite the first direction 379a to unthread interface
connector 284 from connector 127 on uphole end 124 of drill string
112. As previously described, arms 364 of head bracket 360 are
disposed on opposite sides of gooseneck 341, and thus, reactive
torques applied to head bracket 360 during threading or unthreading
of interface connector 284 are resisted by engagement of arms 364
and gooseneck 341.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 17, communication interface 300 is
shown in a stowed position for storage and transport (e.g.,
transport to, from, or at the wellsite 10). In the stowed position,
extension assembly 310 is in a fully collapsed position and head
assembly 340 is tilted back from vertical toward extension assembly
310. In particular, actuator 306 of extension assembly 310 is fully
extended and end 322b is pinned at hole 344b. In addition, base 301
is preferably pivotally coupled to a crate or frame (not shown)
within which it is disposed at hole 305b. To deploy communication
interface 300, a cable (not shown) is connected to coupling member
333 and tension is applied to the cable to pivot communication
interface 300 upward about hole 305b to a vertical position. Next,
a pin (not shown) extending through the crate or frame and hole
305b is removed, and communication interface 300 is lifted from the
storage crate or frame and seated on base 301 at the desired
location at the wellsite 10. Communication interface 300 is
preferably positioned such that extension assembly 310 is generally
aligned with uphole end 124 of drillstring 112. Next, end 322b is
unpinned from hole 344b, gooseneck 341 is tilted to a substantially
vertical orientation, and end 322b is pinned at hole 344c such as
shown in FIG. 9.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, to connect interface
connector 284 to the uphole end 124 of the drill string 112,
actuator 308 of head assembly 340 is contracted to raise interface
connector 284 (if not already done) and actuator 306 of extension
assembly 310 is contracted to extend arms 311, 312, 321, 322 toward
uphole end 124, thereby moving head assembly 340 toward uphole end
124. With extension assembly 310 generally aligned with uphole end
124, receptacle 352 of receives uphole end 124 and centralizes head
assembly 340 relative to uphole end 124, and coaxially aligns
interface connector 284 with uphole end 124. Next, actuator 308 of
head assembly 340 is extended to lower interface connector 284
downward into uphole end 124 of drillstring 112, and drive assembly
370 rotates interface connector 284 in direction 379a to thread
interface connector 284 into connector 127 on uphole end 124.
[0065] Once the interface connector 284 is in the testing position,
a communication link (e.g., 142d of FIG. 1) may be established
between the interface connector 284 and the drill string 112. With
base 301 linked to the surface unit 134, communication is now
established between the drill string 112 and to the surface unit
134. The surface unit 134 may be, for example, a remote control
console for operating the interface connector 284 disposed at some
distance from the rig floor. The interface connections used to link
the connector 284 to the unit 134 may be for example, a coax cable
for measurement while tripping ("MWT") and/or performing network
diagnostic tests ("ND"). The interface connections may also include
pneumatic (and/or hydraulic) lines (for example, those used in a
hose bundle) for operation of the interface connector 284. Line
and/or cable connectors may be provided about the communication
interface 100 for distribution and/or moving one or more of the
cables and/or lines thereabout.
[0066] Referring still to FIGS. 9 and 10, interface connector 284
is decoupled from uphole end 124 by reversing the process. In
particular, drive assembly 370 rotates interface connector 284 in
direction 379b to unthread interface connector 284 from connector
127 on uphole end 124, and actuator 308 of head assembly 340 is
contracted to lift interface connector 284 upward from uphole end
124. Next, extension assembly 310 is contracted by extending
actuator 306 of extension assembly 310, thereby moving head
assembly 340 away from uphole end 124.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, another embodiment of a
communication interface 400 for connection to uphole end 124 of
drill string 112 is shown. Communication interface 400 is
substantially the same as the communication interface 300
previously described in structure and function. Accordingly, like
numerals will be used to refer to components which are configured
the same in both of the interfaces 300, 400. In this embodiment,
communication interface 400 includes a base 401, an extension
assembly 310 coupled to the base 401, a head assembly 440 coupled
to extension assembly 310, and an interface connector 484 coupled
to head assembly 440. Extension assembly 310 is as previously
described with respect to communication interface 300. In addition,
communication interface 400 includes a pedestal 420 supporting base
401, and a housing 410 coupled to the pedestal 420 adjacent base
401. Housing 410 encloses various electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic,
and/or other components used to operate communication interface
400.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, pedestal 420 includes a
horizontal top plate 422a, a horizontal bottom plate 422b disposed
below top plate 422a, and a pair of parallel, vertical side plates
424 extending between plates 422a, 422b. Top plate 422b includes a
plurality of mounting holes 426 for bolting housing 410 and base
401 thereto.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 18, 19, and 21, base 401 includes a
horizontal bottom plate 402, and a pair of parallel, vertical side
plates 403 extending perpendicularly upward from the lateral sides
of base plate 402. Each side plate 403 includes a pair of arm
mounting holes 404a, 404b, an actuator mounting hole 405a, and a
stowage hole 405b. In addition, base 401 includes a substantially
vertical back plate 406 coupled to the bottom plate 402 and the
vertical side plates 403.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 18, 19, and 22, head assembly 440
includes a gooseneck 441, a drillstring centralizer 350 mounted to
gooseneck 441, a head bracket 460 suspended from and moveably
coupled to gooseneck 441, and a drive assembly 370 coupled to head
bracket 460. Centralizer 350 and drive assembly 370 are each as
previously described with respect to communication interface 300.
Gooseneck 441 is substantially the same as gooseneck 341 previously
described, except that in this embodiment, gooseneck 441 includes a
pair of elongate, vertically oriented tracks or rails 444 extending
outward from the lateral sides thereof. In addition, head bracket
460 is substantially the same as head bracket 360 previously
described, except that the generally C-shaped vertical wall 362
includes a pair of outward facing followers 442. Each follower 442
mates and slidingly engages a corresponding track 444 to guide the
movement of bracket 460 along gooseneck 441 and limit rotation of
bracket 460 relative to the gooseneck 441 about a vertical
axis.
[0071] In this embodiment, a bumper or stop member 446 is also
provided on gooseneck 441 to engage uphole end 124 as extension
assembly 310 extends the head assembly 440 forward, thereby
preventing overextension of head assembly 440 during operation.
Stop member 446 includes a concave engagement surface 448 having a
radius of curvature that is substantially the same as the radius of
curvature of the outer surface uphole end 124. During operation, as
head assembly 440 is moved forward with extension assembly 310,
uphole end 124 of drill string 112 is engaged by surface 448, which
funnels or guides assembly 440 into alignment with uphole end 124
and ensures optimal spacing between drill string 112 and gooseneck
441.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 24, interface connector 484 is
substantially the same as connector 284 previously described except
that no engagement tip 292 is provided, and further, a pair of
pressure relief ports 486 are provided to equalize pressure
differentials between the inside of drill string 112 and the
outside environment when connector 484 is coupled to uphole end
124. In this embodiment, each port 486 comprises an elongated port
or passage extending vertically through flange 283 and housing 294
to lower end 286b, which is positioned at the surface 295 for the
connector 484.
[0073] Although connector 484 is shown and described in connection
with communication interface 400, in general, either connector 384,
484 can be used in connection with any embodiment of a
communication interface described herein (e.g., communication
interface 200, 300, 400). In addition, while base 401, head
assembly 440, pedestal 420, housing 410, and interface connector
484 as well as various associated subcomponents have been shown and
described in connection with communication interface 400, in
general, any of these components can be employed in other
embodiments of communication interfaces disclosed herein (e.g.,
communication interface 200, 300).
[0074] Among the potential advantages provided by the disclosure is
the real-time control of ventilation. Additionally, communication
during detached conditions may reduce blind time, or time in which
signals emitted by downhole tools are not being received, and
provide information about downhole operations during such
conditions. Downhole tools and software applications may be used to
analyze the data even during such detached conditions. By way of
example, measurements of pressure, temperature, and strain on drill
string 112 may be collected and/or analyzed during detached
conditions, such as, for example, well control operations, running
casing, fracturing, perforating, gravel packing, tripping, and/or
other operations. Such analysis may provide, for example, analysis
of hole cleaning, detailing wellbore tortuosity, etc.
[0075] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
techniques disclosed herein can be fully automated 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., floppy disks; CD ROMs or other
optical disk devices; magnetic tape; read-only memory chips (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, the encoding of instructions, and use of suitable
controllers are immaterial here. Aspects of the invention may also
be configured to perform the described functions under direction
from a remote site (e.g. using conventional wireless telemetry
links) (not shown).
[0076] Further, while the wellsite 10 of FIG. 1 has been shown and
described as a land-based rig, it should be appreciated that
embodiments described herein can also be used on offshore
structures (e.g., platforms and rigs). Additionally, while a
specific configuration of the surface portion 102, downhole portion
104, and surface communication system 132 of the wellsite 10 shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 has been disclosed and described, many variations
are possible while still complying with the principles disclosed
herein. For example, the wellsite 10 may have a drill string 112 of
one or more wired drill pipes, and one or more surface units 134,
networks 138, and/or offsite computers 140. The downhole tool 106
is depicted as a drilling tool deployed into the wellbore by a
drill string 112. However, it will be appreciated that the downhole
tool 106 may be a drilling or other downhole tool (e.g.,
sources/sensors, motors, LWD/MWD tools, repeaters, etc.), and the
drill string may be any tool string usable therewith, while still
complying with the principles disclosed herein.
[0077] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described,
modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without
departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments
described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many
variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and
processes described herein are possible and are within the scope of
the invention. For example, the relative dimensions of various
parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and
other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, the scope of
protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but
is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall
include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless
expressly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be
performed in any order. The recitation of identifiers such as (a),
(b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before steps in a method claim are not
intended to and do not specify a particular order to the steps, but
rather are used to simplify subsequent reference to such steps.
* * * * *
References