U.S. patent application number 13/864025 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for force application reduction employing actuator.
This patent application is currently assigned to Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is CANRIG DRILLING TECHNOLOGY LTD.. Invention is credited to Samved Bhatnagar, Beat Kuttel, Randy Slocum, Preston Weintraub.
Application Number | 20130284433 13/864025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49476324 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130284433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weintraub; Preston ; et
al. |
October 31, 2013 |
FORCE APPLICATION REDUCTION EMPLOYING ACTUATOR
Abstract
An apparatus including a first actuator including a first
housing defining a first internal region, a first head disposed in
the first internal region, the first head defining first and second
portions of the first internal region, and a first elongated member
connected to the first head and extending out of the first housing.
The apparatus further includes a first arm connected to the first
elongated member to transfer to the first elongated member at least
a first portion of a first force applied in a first direction by at
least the weight of at least a tubular component, and a first
pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the first
portion of the first internal region to apply a second force
against the first head in a second direction that is opposite the
first direction. According to one aspect, the tubular component is
part of a quill.
Inventors: |
Weintraub; Preston; (Spring,
TX) ; Slocum; Randy; (Houston, TX) ; Kuttel;
Beat; (Spring, TX) ; Bhatnagar; Samved;
(Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANRIG DRILLING TECHNOLOGY LTD. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Canrig Drilling Technology
Ltd.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
49476324 |
Appl. No.: |
13/864025 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61639385 |
Apr 27, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/250.01 ;
166/381; 166/75.11; 166/77.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 19/086 20130101;
E21B 19/08 20130101; E21B 19/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/250.01 ;
166/75.11; 166/77.1; 166/381 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/08 20060101
E21B019/08 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first actuator, comprising: a first
housing defining a first internal region; a first head disposed in
the first internal region, the first head defining on either side
thereof first and second portions of the first internal region; and
a first elongated member connected to the first head and extending
out of the first housing; a first arm connected to the first
elongated member to transfer to the first elongated member at least
a first portion of a first force applied in a first direction by at
least the weight of at least a tubular component; and a first
pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the first
portion of the first internal region to apply a second force
against the first head in a second direction that is opposite the
first direction.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising the tubular
component.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a top drive which
comprises: a quill, wherein the tubular component is part of the
quill; and a structural member to which the first housing is
connected; wherein at least the quill, the first arm, the first
elongated member and the first head are movable, relative to the
structural member and the first housing, in the first and second
directions.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first actuator is a
hydraulic cylinder, the first housing is a cylinder housing, the
first head is a piston, and the first elongated member is a
rod.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first pressurized fluid
source comprises a hydraulic accumulator to passively supply a
substantially constant pressure to the first portion of the first
internal region so that the second force is substantially constant
and at least partially counteracts the first force.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second pressurized
fluid source in fluid communication with the second portion of the
first internal region to apply a third force against the first head
in the first direction to place the first arm, relative to the
first housing, at a predetermined position along a linear axis that
extends in the first and second directions.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first pressurized fluid
source is a hydraulic accumulator; and wherein the apparatus
further comprises: a first control valve in fluid communication
with the hydraulic accumulator to selectively supply a first fluid
to the hydraulic accumulator; a one-way valve to permit flow of the
first fluid from the first control valve to the hydraulic
accumulator and to prevent backflow of the first fluid from the
hydraulic accumulator to the first control valve; and a second
control valve in fluid communication with, and fluidically disposed
between, the second pressurized fluid source and the second portion
of the first internal region to selectively supply a second fluid
to the second portion of the first internal region.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a controller
operably coupled to at least the first and second control valves to
controllably place the first arm at the predetermined position.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a position sensor
operably coupled to the first actuator to measure a linear
displacement of the first arm along the linear axis; wherein the
position sensor is operably coupled the controller to provide
feedback to the controller to place or maintain the first arm at
the predetermined position.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first pressurized fluid
source comprises a pump to actively supply a substantially constant
pressure to the first portion of the first internal region so that
the second force is substantially constant and at least partially
counteracts the first force.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first pressurized fluid
source further comprises: a relieving regulator in fluid
communication with, and fluidically disposed between, the pump and
the first portion of the first internal region to selectively
supply a first fluid to the first portion of the first internal
region; and a one-way valve to permit flow of the first fluid from
the pump to the relieving regulator and to prevent backflow of the
first fluid from the relieving regulator towards the pump.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a second
pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the second
portion of the first internal region to apply a third force against
the first head in the first direction to place the first arm,
relative to the first housing, at a predetermined position along a
linear axis that extends in the first and second directions; and a
control valve in fluid communication with, and fluidically disposed
between, the second pressurized fluid source and the second portion
of the first internal region to selectively supply a second fluid
to the second portion of the first internal region.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a controller
operably coupled to at least the relieving regulator and the
control valve to controllably place the first arm at the
predetermined position.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a position sensor
operably coupled to the first actuator to measure a linear
displacement of the first arm along the linear axis; wherein the
position sensor is operably coupled to the controller to provide
feedback to the controller to place or maintain the first arm at
the predetermined position.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a bearing carrier
connected to the first arm to rotatably support the tubular
component; a first slot formed through the first arm; a first
planar bearing element connected to the first arm; a second slot
formed through the first planar bearing element, wherein at least a
portion of the second slot overlaps at least a portion of the first
slot; and a first pin extending through the first and second slots;
wherein the first arm and the first planar bearing element are
movable, relative to the first pin, in the first and second
directions.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a second
actuator, comprising: a second housing defining a second internal
region; a second head disposed in the second internal region, the
second head defining on either side thereof first and second
portions of the second internal region; and a second elongated
member connected to the second head and extending out of the second
housing; a second arm connected to each of the bearing carrier and
the second elongated member to transfer to the second elongated
member at least a second portion of the first force applied in the
first direction by at least the weight of at least the tubular
component, wherein the bearing carrier extends between the first
and second arms; a third slot formed through the second arm; a
second planar bearing element connected to the second arm; a fourth
slot formed through the second planar bearing element, wherein at
least a portion of the fourth slot overlaps at least a portion of
the third slot; a second pin extending through the third and fourth
slots; and a structural member to which the first and second pins,
and the first and second housings, are connected; wherein the first
pressurized fluid source is in fluid communication with the first
portion of the second internal region to apply a fourth force
against the second head in the second direction; and wherein the
bearing carrier, the first and second arms, the first and second
planar bearing elements, the first and second elongated members,
and the first and second heads, are movable, relative to the
structural member, the first and second housings, and the first and
second pins, in the first and second directions.
17. An apparatus, comprising: a coupling to engage a quill having a
weight; an arm connected to the coupling and to which a first force
is applied in a first direction by at least a portion of the weight
of the quill; and an actuator connected to the arm to apply thereto
a second force to at least counteract the first force.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a bearing carrier
rotatably supporting the quill, wherein the coupling is coupled to
the bearing carrier.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the arm is a first arm and
the actuator is a first actuator, and wherein the apparatus further
comprises: a second arm connected to the coupling and to which a
third force is applied in the first direction by at least a portion
of the weight of the quill, wherein the coupling and the bearing
carrier extend between the first and second arms; and a second
actuator connected to the second arm to apply to the second arm a
fourth force to at least counteract the first and third forces when
in combination with the second force.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising: first and second
slots formed through the first and second arms, respectively; first
and second planar bearing elements connected to the first and
second arms, respectively; third and fourth slots formed through
the first and second planar bearing elements, respectively, wherein
at least portions of the third and fourth slots overlap at least
portions of the first and second slots, respectively; and first and
second pins extending through the first and third slots, and the
second and fourth slots, respectively; wherein at least the
coupling, the bearing carrier, the first and second arms, and the
first and second planar bearing elements are movable, relative to
the first and second pins, in the first direction and a second
direction opposite thereto.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising the quill, wherein
the quill is engaged with the coupling and is rotatably supported
by the bearing carrier.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising; a top drive,
comprising: the quill; and a structural member to which the first
and second actuators are connected; wherein at least the quill, the
coupling, the bearing carrier, and the first and second arms are
movable, relative to the structural member, in the first direction
and a second direction opposite thereto.
23. A method, comprising: suspending a tubular component and a
structural member; permitting the tubular component to move,
relative to the structural member, in a first direction while
continuing to suspend the tubular component and the structural
member; and reducing a first force applied in the first direction
against a tubular member in response to permitting the tubular
component to move in the first direction, comprising: applying a
second force against the tubular component in a second direction
that is opposite the first direction.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the first force applied in the
first direction against the tubular member is due, at least in
part, to the weight of the tubular component and the ability of the
tubular component to move relative to the structural member.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the tubular component is part of
a quill of a top drive; and wherein the tubular member is, or is to
be, part of a string of drill pipe or casing.
26. The method of claim 24 wherein applying the second force
against the tubular component in the second direction comprises
passively supplying a substantially constant pressure to a first
internal region, through which an elongated member extends, the
elongated member being connected to the tubular component.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising applying a third
force in the first direction against a head connected to the
elongated member to place the tubular component, relative to the
structural member, at a predetermined position along a linear axis
that extends in the first and second directions.
28. The method of claim 27 further comprising: employing a position
sensor to measure the linear displacement of the tubular component,
relative to the structural member, along the linear axis; and
providing feedback to a controller operably coupled to the position
sensor to controllably place or maintain the tubular component at
the predetermined position.
29. The method of claim 24 wherein applying the second force
against the tubular component in the second direction comprises
actively supplying a substantially constant pressure to a first
internal region, through which an elongated member extends, the
elongated member being connected to the tubular component.
30. The method of claim 29 further comprising applying a third
force in the first direction against a head connected to the
elongated member to place the tubular component, relative to the
structural member, at a predetermined position along a linear axis
that extends in the first and second directions.
31. The method of claim of claim 30 further comprising: employing a
position sensor to measure the linear displacement of the tubular
component, relative to the structural member, along the linear
axis; and providing feedback to a controller operably coupled to
the position sensor to controllably place or maintain the tubular
component at the predetermined position.
32. The method of claim 24 further comprising: rotatably supporting
the tubular component; and guiding an arm connected to the tubular
component during movement of the tubular component, relative to the
structural member, in the first or second direction.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the
filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/639,385,
filed Apr. 27, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates, in general, to reducing the
application of a force by a first device on a second device, which
force is due, at least in part, to the weight of the first device.
In particular, the present disclosure relates to employing at least
one actuator to effect the force application reduction. According
to one aspect, the second device on which the force is applied may
be a tubular member. According to another aspect, the first device
may be a quill and the second device may be a tubular member that
is part of a string of drill pipe or casing employed, or to be
employed, in oil and gas exploration and production operations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The present disclosure is best understood from the following
detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is
emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the
industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the
dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or
reduced for clarity of discussion.
[0004] FIG. 1-1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to one
or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 1-2 is another perspective view of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 1-1 according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure, but depicts a different operational mode of the
apparatus.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of apparatus according to one or
more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3-1 is a perspective view of apparatus during operation
according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 3-2 is another perspective view of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 3-1 during operation according to one or more aspects of
the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of apparatus according to one or
more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of apparatus according to one or
more aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] It is to be understood that the following disclosure
provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing
different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of
components and arrangements are described below to simplify the
present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are
not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure
may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various
examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and
clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the
various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the
formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the
description that follows may include embodiments in which the first
and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also
include embodiments in which additional features may be formed
interposing the first and second features, such that the first and
second features may not be in direct contact.
[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1-1 and 1-2, illustrated are perspective
views of apparatus 10, which includes a bearing carrier 12 and a
coupling 14 coupled thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the
coupling 14 is a split clamp, which is adapted to clamp into a
groove formed in a tubular component (not shown), as will be
discussed in further detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the
bearing carrier 12 is adapted to provide rotatable support and may
include various components (not shown), such as an inner bearing
ring, an outer bearing ring, bearing elements, and/or any
combination thereof. The bearing carrier 12 is connected to arms 16
and 18 via swivel bearings 20 and 22, respectively, thereby
connecting the coupling 14 to the arms 16 and 18. The bearing
carrier 12 extends between the arms 16 and 18, which are spaced in
a parallel relation. Slots 24 and 26 are formed through the arm 16,
and slots 28 and 30 are formed through the arm 18. Planar bearing
elements 32 and 34 are connected to the arms 16 and 18,
respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the planar
bearing elements 32 and 34 is a plane or friction bearing including
a material selected to minimize friction and to inhibit or prevent
wear debris from increasing friction during operational use; such a
material may include at least one plastic material, polyether ether
ketone (PEEK), graphite-based material(s), polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), other non-metallic material, other friction bearing
material, or any combination thereof.
[0013] Slots 36 and 38 are formed through the planar bearing
element 32 so that at least portions of the slots 36 and 38 overlap
at least portions of the slots 24 and 26, respectively. In an
exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1-1, the outer peripheries
of the slots 36 and 38 conform to the outer peripheries of the
slots 24 and 26, respectively. Likewise, slots 40 and 42 are formed
through the planar bearing element 34 so that at least portions of
the slots 40 and 42 overlap at least portions of the slots 28 and
30, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1-2,
the outer peripheries of the slots 40 and 42 conform to the outer
peripheries of the slots 28 and 30, respectively.
[0014] As shown in FIG. 1-1, pins 44 and 46 extend from a shield
retainer 48, and through the slots 24 and 26, respectively, as well
as through the slots 36 and 38, respectively. Disc-shaped cam
followers 50 and 52 are connected to the pins 44 and 46,
respectively. The slots 24 and 36 define a region 54 in which the
cam follower 50 is disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, one or
more other lubricants (e.g., grease) may also be disposed in the
region 54 to minimize friction between various components of the
apparatus 10. Similarly, the slots 26 and 38 define a region 56 in
which the cam follower 52 is disposed and, in an exemplary
embodiment, one or more other lubricants may also be disposed in
the region 56. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 1-2, pins 58 and 60
extend from a shield retainer 62, and through the slots 28 and 30,
respectively, as well as through the slots 40 and 42, respectively.
Disc-shaped cam followers 64 and 66 are connected to the pins 58
and 60, respectively. The slots 28 and 40 define a region 68 in
which the cam follower 64 is disposed, and the slots 30 and 42
define a region 70 in which the cam follower 66 is disposed. In an
exemplary embodiment, grease and/or one or more other lubricants
may be disposed in each of the regions 68 and 70. In an exemplary
embodiment, each of the pins 44, 46, 58 and 60 is a fastener, such
as a bolt.
[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1-1 and 1-2, actuators 72 and 74 are
connected to the arms 16 and 18, respectively. More particularly,
the actuator 72 includes a housing 72a and an elongated member,
such as a rod 72b, extending out of the housing 72a. Likewise, the
actuator 74 includes a housing 74a and an elongated member, such as
a rod 74b, extending out of the housing 74a. The rods 72b and 74b
are connected to the arms 16 and 18, respectively. Mounting
brackets 76 and 78 are connected to the housings 72a and 74a,
respectively. Under conditions to be described below, the actuators
72 and 74 controllably actuate the rods 72b and 74b, respectively,
causing the rods 72b and 74b to extend out of the housings 72a and
74a, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1-1, and to retract into the
housings 72a and 74a, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1-2. As a
result of the actuation of the rods 72b and 74b, the bearing
carrier 12, the coupling 14, the arms 16 and 18, and the planar
bearing elements 32 and 34 move, relative to the shield retainers
48 and 62, the cam followers 50, 52, 64 and 66, and the pins 44,
46, 58 and 60. In several exemplary embodiments, each of the
actuators 72 and 74 is, includes, or is part of, a hydraulic
actuator, an electromagnetic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a
linear actuator, and/or any combination thereof.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a schematic view of the
apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the actuators 72 and 74 are
hydraulic actuators, and the housings 72a and 74a are cylinder
housings. The housings 72a and 74a define internal regions 72c and
74c, respectively. Heads, such as pistons 72d and 74d, are disposed
in the internal regions 72c and 74c, respectively. The rods 72b and
74b are connected to the pistons 72d and 74d, respectively. The
piston 72d defines on either side thereof region portions 72ca and
72cb of the region 72c. Likewise, the piston 74d defines on either
side thereof region portions 74ca and 74cb of the region 74c.
[0017] A pressurized fluid source 80 is, or includes, a hydraulic
accumulator 82, which is in fluid communication with each of the
region portions 72ca and 74ca. A control valve 84 is in fluid
communication with the hydraulic accumulator 82. In an exemplary
embodiment, the control valve 84 is a two position, two way valve.
A one-way valve 86 is in fluid communication with, and fluidically
disposed between, the control valve 84 and the hydraulic
accumulator 82. A pump 88 is in fluid communication with the
control valve 84. A fluid reservoir 90 is in fluid communication
with the pump 88. A pressurized fluid source 92 is in fluid
communication with each of the region portions 72cb and 74cb. In an
exemplary embodiment, the pressurized fluid source 92 is a source
of pressurized air. A control valve 94 is in fluid communication
with, and fluidically disposed between, the pressurized fluid
source 92 and each of the region portions 72cb and 74cb. In an
exemplary embodiment, the control valve 94 is a multi-way
valve.
[0018] A controller 96 is operably coupled to at least the control
valves 84 and 94. The controller 96 includes a computer processor
96a and a computer readable medium 96b operably coupled thereto.
Instructions accessible to, and executable by, the computer
processor 96a are stored on the computer readable medium 96b. In an
exemplary embodiment, the controller 96 may include one or more
programmable logic controllers (PLCs). In an exemplary embodiment,
the controller 96 may include a plurality of controllers, the
computer processor 96a may include a plurality of computer
processors, and/or the computer readable medium 96b may include a
plurality of computer readable mediums. In an exemplary embodiment,
the controller 96 may be located at a single location or
distributed throughout a plurality of locations. In an exemplary
embodiment, the computer readable medium 96b may include one or
more databases and/or one or more data structures stored therein.
In several exemplary embodiments, the computer processor 96a may
include, for example, one or more of the following: a programmable
general purpose controller, an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), other controller devices, and/or any combination
thereof.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 3-1 and 3-2, illustrated are perspective
views of the apparatus 10 during its operation. As shown in FIGS.
3-1 and 3-2 with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-1, 1-2 and 2, a
tubular component 98 is engaged with the coupling 14. In an
exemplary embodiment, the coupling 14 is a split clamp that clamps
into an annular groove 98a formed in the outside surface of the
tubular component 98, thereby engaging the tubular component 98. In
another exemplary embodiment, the coupling 14 may be another type
of clamp, collar or connection that engages and grips the tubular
component 98 without employing the annular groove 98a. The tubular
component 98 extends through the coupling 14 and the bearing
carrier 12. A structural member 100 extends between the actuators
72 and 74, which are connected to the structural member 100 via the
mounting brackets 76 and 78, respectively. The pins 44 and 46 are
connected to the structural member 100, thereby connecting the
shield retainer 48 to the structural member 100. Likewise, the pins
58 and 60 are connected to the structural member 100, thereby
connecting the shield retainer 62 to the structural member 100. The
structural member 100 extends between the planar bearing elements
32 and 34. In an exemplary embodiment, the planar bearing elements
32 and 34 slidably engage the structural member 100. The hydraulic
accumulator 82 is connected to the structural member 100. The
bearing carrier 12 allows the tubular component 98 to rotate with
respect to the structural member 100. In an exemplary embodiment,
instead of, or in addition to the structural member 100, the
actuators 72 and 74 may be connected to one or more other
structural members.
[0020] In operation, in an exemplary embodiment, the tubular
component 98 and the structural member 100 may be suspended in the
air, and/or may be suspended in water in, for example, a sea-based
operation. During this suspension, the tubular component 98 is
permitted to move, relative to the structural member 100, in a
downward direction as viewed in FIG. 3-1 and indicated by an arrow
102. In several exemplary embodiments, the tubular member 98 may
undergo no movement at all, almost no movement, or negligible
movement. In several exemplary embodiments, the movement of the
tubular component 98 may range from negligible movement up to about
6 inches of movement, about 12 inches of movement, or about 24
inches of movement.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 3-1, to the extent that the tubular
component 98 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 102, the
rods 72b and 74b, the arms 16 and 18, the planar bearing elements
32 and 34, the bearing carrier 12, and the coupling 14 also move,
relative to the structural member 100 and the housings 72a and 74a,
in the direction indicated by the arrow 102. The bearing carrier 12
continues to rotatably support the tubular component 98. The cam
followers 50, 52, 64 and 66, and the pins 44, 46, 58 and 60, guide
the arms 16 and 18 during the movement of the arms 16 and 18 in the
direction indicated by the arrow 102. The cam followers 50, 52, 64
and 66, the pins 44, 46, 58 and 60, and the planar bearing elements
32 and 34, provide bearing support, positioning, and stops during
the movement of the arms 16 and 18 in the direction indicated by
the arrow 102. The shield retainer 48 protects the cam followers 50
and 52 from debris, and the shield retainer 62 protects the cam
followers 64 and 66 from debris.
[0022] In response to permitting the tubular component 98 to move
in the direction indicated by the arrow 102, a force is applied, in
the direction indicated by the arrow 102, against a tubular member
(not shown), which is spaced from the tubular component 98 in the
direction indicated by the arrow 102. The force applied in the
direction indicated by the arrow 102 is due, at least in part, to
the weight of the tubular component 98 and the ability of the
tubular component 98 to move relative to the structural member 100.
The force applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 102 may
also be due to additional components hanging below the tubular
component 98.
[0023] To reduce the force applied in the direction indicated by
the arrow 102, the hydraulic accumulator 82 passively supplies
hydraulic fluid to each of the region portions 72ca and 74ca,
thereby supplying a substantially constant pressure to each of the
region portions 72ca and 74ca. As a result, forces are applied
against the pistons 72d and 74d in a direction indicated by an
arrow 104, which is opposite to the direction indicated by the
arrow 102. The arms 16 and 18 transfer to the rods 72b and 74b,
respectively, at least respective portions of the force applied in
the direction indicated by the arrow 102; however, these
transferred portions of the force applied in the direction
indicated by the arrow 102 are counteracted by the forces applied
against the pistons 72d and 74d in the direction indicated by the
arrow 104.
[0024] In response to the forces against the pistons 72d and 74d in
the direction indicated by the arrow 104, the tubular component 98
rises in the direction indicated by the arrow 104. More
particularly, the rods 72b and 74b retract into the housings 72a
and 74a, respectively, causing the arms 16 and 18, the planar
bearing elements 32 and 34, the bearing carrier 12, the coupling
14, and thus the tubular component 98, to rise in the direction
indicated by the arrow 104, as shown in FIG. 3-2. As a result of
the lifting of the tubular component 98, the force applied in the
direction 102, which is due at least in part to the weight of the
tubular component 98, is at least reduced or partially
counteracted. Thus, the effective weight of the tubular component
98, or any assembly of which the tubular component 98 may be a
part, is reduced.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 3-2, to the extent that the tubular
component 98 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 104, the
rods 72b and 74b, the arms 16 and 18, the planar bearing elements
32 and 34, the bearing carrier 12, and the coupling 14 also move,
relative to the structural member 100 and the housings 72a and 74a,
in the direction indicated by the arrow 104. The bearing carrier 12
continues to rotatably support the tubular component 98. The cam
followers 50, 52, 64 and 66, and the pins 44, 46, 58 and 60, guide
the arms 16 and 18 during the movement of the arms 16 and 18 in the
direction indicated by the arrow 104. The cam followers 50, 52, 64
and 66, the pins 44, 46, 58 and 60, and the planar bearing elements
32 and 34, provide bearing support, positioning, and stops during
the movement of the arms 16 and 18 in the direction indicated by
the arrow 104. The shield retainer 48 protects the cam followers 50
and 52 from debris, and the shield retainer 62 protects the cam
followers 64 and 66 from debris.
[0026] In several exemplary embodiments, the force in the direction
indicated by the arrow 102 may be applied to the tubular member to
threadably engage (or make-up) the tubular member with another
tubular member located therebelow to form, or continue to form, a
string of drill pipe or casing. Alternatively, in several exemplary
embodiments, the force in the direction indicated by the arrow 102
may be applied to threadably disengage (or break-out) the tubular
member from another tubular member located therebelow. By employing
the apparatus 10 to reduce the effective weight of the tubular
component 98 or any assembly of which the tubular component 98 may
be a part, the risk or potential of damaging threads is reduced
during, for example, threadably engaging the tubular member with
another tubular member, or threadably disengaging the tubular
member from the other tubular member. As a result, careful make-up
or break-out of two tubular members can be facilitated.
[0027] In several exemplary embodiments, the tubular component 98
may be part of a quill of a top drive, the structural member 100
may be part of a back up wrench (BUW) of the top drive, the top
drive may be suspended in the air (or water), and the quill
(including the tubular component 98) may be movable, relative to
the BUW (including the structural member 100), during the
suspension of the top drive and the operation of the apparatus 10,
which operates in the above-described manner to reduce the
effective weight of the quill.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the
apparatus 10, the hydraulic accumulator 82 is pre-charged to
provide a desired minimum lifting force in the direction indicated
by the arrow 104. To maintain this charge, the control valve 84
selectively supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic accumulator
82, which hydraulic fluid is pumped from the fluid reservoir 90 by
the pump 88. The one-way valve 86 permits the flow of hydraulic
fluid from the control valve 84 to the hydraulic accumulator 82,
and prevents backflow of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic
accumulator 82 to the control valve 84.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the
apparatus 10, the control valve 94 selectively supplies a fluid,
such as air, to each of the region portions 72cb and 74cb. As a
result, forces in the direction indicated by the arrow 102 are
applied to the pistons 72d and 74d. By employing the control valve
84 to control the supply of hydraulic fluid to the region portions
72ca and 74ca, and employing the control valve 94 to control the
supply of air to the region portions 72cb and 74cb, the rods 72b
and 74b may be placed at a predetermined position along a linear
axis 106 that extends in the direction indicated by the arrows 102
and 104. Therefore, the arms 16 and 18, and thus the tubular
component 98, may also be placed at respective predetermined
positions along the linear axis 106.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 96 controls the
operation of at least the control valves 84 and 94 to controllably
place at least the rods 72b and 74b, the arms 16 and 18, and the
tubular component 98, at respective predetermined positions along
the linear axis 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 96
controls the operation of at least the control valves 84 and 94 to
control the speed or rate of displacement of at least the rods 72b
and 74b, the arms 16 and 18, and the tubular component 98 along the
linear axis 106 by, for example, controlling the rate at which
fluid is introduced into the region portions 72ca, 72cb, 74ca and
74cb. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer processor 96a
executes instructions stored on the computer readable medium 96b to
carry out the above-described operation of the apparatus 10.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a schematic view of the
apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the hydraulic accumulator 82 is
omitted from the pressurized fluid source 80. Instead of including
the hydraulic accumulator 82, the pressurized fluid source 80
includes a relieving regulator 108 in fluid communication with, and
fluidically disposed between, the pump 88 and each of the region
portions 72ca and 74ca. The control valve 84 is in fluid
communication with, and fluidically disposed between, the relieving
regulator 108 and the pump 88. The one-way valve 86 is in fluid
communication with, and fluidically disposed between, the relieving
regulator 108 and the control valve 84.
[0032] Position sensors 110 and 112 are operably coupled to the
actuators 72 and 74, respectively. The controller 96 is operably
coupled to each of the position sensors 110 and 112. In an
exemplary embodiment, the position sensors 110 and 112 are part of,
and/or integrated within, the actuators 72 and 74, respectively. In
an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the position
sensors 110 and 112 is, includes, or is part of, a linear variable
displacement transformer (LVDT) transducer. In an exemplary
embodiment, the position sensors 110 and 112 are LVDT transducers,
which are part of, and/or integrated within, the actuators 72 and
74, respectively. In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or
in addition LVDT transducers, the position sensors 110 and 112 may
include one or more other types of position sensors such as
potentiometers, magnetic sensors, other types of transducers,
etc.
[0033] With continuing reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the
apparatus 10 with the pressurized fluid source 80 as shown in FIG.
4, as well as with the position sensors 110 and 112, is
substantially similar to the operation of the apparatus 10
described above in connection with FIGS. 2, 3-1 and 3-2, except in
two respects, namely the supply of hydraulic fluid to the region
portions 72ca and 74ca, as well as the operation of the controller
96.
[0034] With continuing reference to FIG. 4, with respect to the
supply of hydraulic fluid to the region portions 72ca and 74ca
during the operation of the apparatus 10, instead of the hydraulic
accumulator 82 passively supplying a substantially constant
pressure to each of the region portions 72ca and 74ca, the pump 88
actively supplies a hydraulic fluid to the region portions 72ca and
74ca, thereby supplying a substantially constant pressure to each
of the region portions 72ca and 74ca. One or both of the control
valve 84 and the relieving regulator 108 selectively supply the
hydraulic fluid to the region portions 72ca and 74ca, and the
one-way valve 86 permits flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump 88
to the relieving regulator 108, and prevents backflow of the
hydraulic fluid from the relieving regulator 108 towards the pump
88.
[0035] With continuing reference to FIG. 4, with respect to the
operation of the controller 96 during the operation of the
apparatus 10, the position sensor 110 measures the linear
displacement, along the axis 106, of at least one of the piston
72d, the rod 72b and the arm 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the
respective linear displacements, along the axis 106, of the piston
72d, the rod 72b and the arm 16 are substantially equal and thus
the measurement of the linear displacement of one of the piston
72d, the rod 72b and the arm 16 is an effective measurement of the
respective linear displacements of the other two of the piston 72d,
the rod 72b and the arm 16. Likewise, the position sensor 112
measures the linear displacement, along the axis 106, of at least
one of the piston 74d, the rod 74b and the arm 18. In an exemplary
embodiment, the respective linear displacements, along the axis
106, of the piston 74d, the rod 74b and the arm 18 are
substantially equal and thus the measurement of the linear
displacement of one of the piston 74d, the rod 74b and the arm 18
is an effective measurement of the respective linear displacements
of the other two of the piston 74d, the rod 74b and the arm 18.
Each of the position sensors 110 and 112 sends to the controller 96
one or more signals corresponding to one or more of these measured
linear displacements. Therefore, the position sensors 110 and 112
provide feedback to the controller 96, which employs the feedback
to control one or more of the relieving regulator 108, the control
valve 84 and the control valve 94 in order to place or maintain at
least the rods 72b and 74b, and the arms 16 and 18, at respective
predetermined positions along the linear axis 106.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the pressurized fluid source 92
and the control valve 94 may be omitted from the apparatus 10.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic accumulator 82 may
be included in the pressurized fluid source 80 illustrated in FIG.
4, and may be fluidically disposed at, for example, the location of
the relieving regulator 108.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is a schematic view of
apparatus 114 demonstrating one or more aspects of the present
disclosure. The apparatus 114 demonstrates an exemplary environment
in which the apparatus 10 or portions thereof shown in one or more
of FIGS. 1-1, 1-2, 2, 3-1, 3-2 and 4 and/or other apparatus within
the scope of the present disclosure may be implemented.
[0039] The apparatus 114 is or includes a land-based drilling rig.
However, one or more aspects of the present disclosure are
applicable or readily adaptable to any type of drilling rig, such
as jack-up rigs, semisubmersibles, drill ships, coil tubing rigs,
and casing drilling rigs, among others.
[0040] The apparatus 114 includes a mast 116 supporting lifting
gear above a rig floor 117. The lifting gear includes a crown block
118 and a traveling block 120. The crown block 118 is coupled at or
near the top of the mast 116, and the traveling block 120 hangs
from the crown block 118 by a drilling line 122. The drilling line
122 extends from the lifting gear to draw-works 124, which is
configured to reel the drilling line 122 out and in to cause the
traveling block 120 to be lowered and raised relative to the rig
floor 117.
[0041] A hook 126 may be attached to the bottom of the traveling
block 120. A top drive 128 may be suspended from the hook 126, and
may include a quill 130. The quill 130 may extend downward, as
viewed in FIG. 5, and may be attached to a saver sub 132, which may
be attached to a tubular lifting device 134. The quill 130 may
include the tubular component 98 shown in FIGS. 3-1 and 3-2, with
which the apparatus 10 is engaged as described above. The top drive
128 may include a back up wrench (BUW) 135, which may include the
structural member 100 shown in FIGS. 3-1 and 3-2, to which the
apparatus 10 is connected as described above.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular lifting device 134 can be
engaged with a drill string 136 suspended within and/or above a
wellbore 138. The drill string 136 may include one or more tubular
members 140, the majority of which are interconnected to one
another and one of which may be either threadably disengaged from,
or threadably engaged with, another of the tubular members 140. The
tubular members 140 may be part of a string of drill pipe or
casing. It should be understood that various other types of tubular
members, or tubulars, can often be substituted depending on the
desired operation. In addition to the tubular members 140, the
drill string 136 may include other components. One of the tubular
members 140 may be the tubular member to which the force is applied
in the direction indicated by the arrow 102 in FIGS. 3-1 and 3-2,
the force being due, at least in part, to the weight of at least
the quill 130, including the weight of at least the tubular
component 98; that is, the force that is reduced as a result of the
above-described operation of the apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 5,
one or more pumps 142 may deliver drilling fluid to the drill
string 136 through a hose or other conduit 144, which may be
connected to the top drive 128. The drilling fluid may pass through
a central passage of the tubular lifting device 134.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the top drive 128, quill 130 and
saver sub 132 may not be utilized between the hook 126 and the
tubular lifting device 134, such as where the tubular lifting
device 134 is coupled directly to the hook 126, or where the
tubular lifting device 134 is coupled to the hook 126 via other
components.
[0044] In several exemplary embodiments, instead of a drilling rig,
the apparatus 114 may be any device that requires reducing the
effective weight of a structure being moved or used in an operation
where the structure engages, or causes another structure to engage,
a delicate, fragile, or easily-damaged component or portion thereof
(such as a threaded connection), so that the weight reduction
reduces, minimizes or prevents damage to the component or portion
thereof.
[0045] In view of all of the above and the figures, one of ordinary
skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure
introduces an apparatus including a first actuator, including a
first housing defining a first internal region; a first head
disposed in the first internal region, the first head defining on
either side thereof first and second portions of the first internal
region; and a first elongated member connected to the first head
and extending out of the first housing; a first arm connected to
the first elongated member to transfer to the first elongated
member at least a first portion of a first force applied in a first
direction by at least the weight of at least a tubular component;
and a first pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with
the first portion of the first internal region to apply a second
force against the first head in a second direction that is opposite
the first direction. According to one aspect, the apparatus
includes the tubular component. According to another aspect, the
apparatus includes a top drive, which includes a quill, wherein the
tubular component is part of the quill; and a structural member to
which the first housing is connected; wherein at least the quill,
the first arm, the first elongated member and the first head are
movable, relative to the structural member and the first housing,
in the first and second directions. According to yet another
aspect, the first actuator is a hydraulic cylinder, the first
housing is a cylinder housing, the first head is a piston, and the
first elongated member is a rod. According to still yet another
aspect, the first pressurized fluid source includes a hydraulic
accumulator to passively supply a substantially constant pressure
to the first portion of the first internal region so that the
second force is substantially constant and at least partially
counteracts the first force. According to still yet another aspect,
the apparatus includes a second pressurized fluid source in fluid
communication with the second portion of the first internal region
to apply a third force against the first head in the first
direction to place the first arm, relative to the first housing, at
a predetermined position along a linear axis that extends in the
first and second directions. According to still yet another aspect,
the first pressurized fluid source is a hydraulic accumulator; and
the apparatus further includes a first control valve in fluid
communication with the hydraulic accumulator to selectively supply
a first fluid to the hydraulic accumulator; a one-way valve to
permit flow of the first fluid from the first control valve to the
hydraulic accumulator and to prevent backflow of the first fluid
from the hydraulic accumulator to the first control valve; and a
second control valve in fluid communication with, and fluidically
disposed between, the second pressurized fluid source and the
second portion of the first internal region to selectively supply a
second fluid to the second portion of the first internal region.
According to still yet another aspect, the apparatus includes a
controller operably coupled to at least the first and second
control valves to controllably place the first arm at the
predetermined position. According to still yet another aspect, the
apparatus includes a position sensor operably coupled to the first
actuator to measure a linear displacement of the first arm along
the linear axis; wherein the position sensor is operably coupled
the controller to provide feedback to the controller to place or
maintain the first arm at the predetermined position. According to
still yet another aspect, the first pressurized fluid source
includes a pump to actively supply a substantially constant
pressure to the first portion of the first internal region so that
the second force is substantially constant and at least partially
counteracts the first force. According to still yet another aspect,
the first pressurized fluid source includes a relieving regulator
in fluid communication with, and fluidically disposed between, the
pump and the first portion of the first internal region to
selectively supply a first fluid to the first portion of the first
internal region; and a one-way valve to permit flow of the first
fluid from the pump to the relieving regulator and to prevent
backflow of the first fluid from the relieving regulator towards
the pump. According to still yet another aspect, the apparatus
further includes a second pressurized fluid source in fluid
communication with the second portion of the first internal region
to apply a third force against the first head in the first
direction to place the first arm, relative to the first housing, at
a predetermined position along a linear axis that extends in the
first and second directions; and a control valve in fluid
communication with, and fluidically disposed between, the second
pressurized fluid source and the second portion of the first
internal region to selectively supply a second fluid to the second
portion of the first internal region. According to still yet
another aspect, the apparatus includes a controller operably
coupled to at least the relieving regulator and the control valve
to controllably place the first arm at the predetermined position.
According to still yet another aspect, the apparatus includes a
position sensor operably coupled to the first actuator to measure a
linear displacement of the first arm along the linear axis; wherein
the position sensor is operably coupled to the controller to
provide feedback to the controller to place or maintain the first
arm at the predetermined position. According to still yet another
aspect, the apparatus includes a bearing carrier connected to the
first arm to rotatably support the tubular component; a first slot
formed through the first arm; a first planar bearing element
connected to the first arm; a second slot formed through the first
planar bearing element, wherein at least a portion of the second
slot overlaps at least a portion of the first slot; and a first pin
extending through the first and second slots; wherein the first arm
and the first planar bearing element are movable, relative to the
first pin, in the first and second directions. According to still
yet another aspect, the apparatus includes a second actuator,
including a second housing defining a second internal region; a
second head disposed in the second internal region, the second head
defining on either side thereof first and second portions of the
second internal region; and a second elongated member connected to
the second head and extending out of the second housing; a second
arm connected to each of the bearing carrier and the second
elongated member to transfer to the second elongated member at
least a second portion of the first force applied in the first
direction by at least the weight of at least the tubular component,
wherein the bearing carrier extends between the first and second
arms; a third slot formed through the second arm; a second planar
bearing element connected to the second arm; a fourth slot formed
through the second planar bearing element, wherein at least a
portion of the fourth slot overlaps at least a portion of the third
slot; a second pin extending through the third and fourth slots;
and a structural member to which the first and second pins, and the
first and second housings, are connected; wherein the first
pressurized fluid source is in fluid communication with the first
portion of the second internal region to apply a fourth force
against the second head in the second direction; and wherein the
bearing carrier, the first and second arms, the first and second
planar bearing elements, the first and second elongated members,
and the first and second heads, are movable, relative to the
structural member, the first and second housings, and the first and
second pins, in the first and second directions.
[0046] The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus
including a coupling to engage a quill having a weight; an arm
connected to the coupling and to which a first force is applied in
a first direction by at least a portion of the weight of the quill;
and an actuator connected to the arm to apply thereto a second
force to at least counteract the first force. According to one
aspect, the apparatus includes a bearing carrier rotatably
supporting the quill, wherein the coupling is coupled to the
bearing carrier. According to another aspect, the arm is a first
arm and the actuator is a second actuator, and wherein the
apparatus further includes a second arm connected to the coupling
and to which a third force is applied in the first direction by at
least a portion of the weight of the quill, wherein the coupling
and the bearing carrier extend between the first and second arms;
and a second actuator connected to the second arm to apply to the
second arm a fourth force to at least counteract the first and
third forces when in combination with the second force. According
to yet another aspect, the apparatus includes first and second
slots formed through the first and second arms, respectively; first
and second planar bearing elements connected to the first and
second arms, respectively; third and fourth slots formed through
the first and second planar bearing elements, respectively, wherein
at least portions of the third and fourth slots overlap at least
portions of the first and second slots, respectively; and first and
second pins extending through the first and third slots, and the
second and fourth slots, respectively; wherein at least the
coupling, the bearing carrier, the first and second arms, and the
first and second planar bearing elements are movable, relative to
the first and second pins, in the first direction and a second
direction opposite thereto. According to still yet another aspect,
the apparatus includes the quill, wherein the quill is engaged with
the coupling and is rotatably supported by the bearing carrier.
According to still yet another aspect, the apparatus includes a top
drive, including the quill; and a structural member to which the
first and second actuators are connected; wherein at least the
quill, the coupling, the bearing carrier, and the first and second
arms are movable, relative to the structural member, in the first
direction and a second direction opposite thereto.
[0047] The present disclosure also introduces a method including
suspending a tubular component and a structural member; permitting
the tubular component to move, relative to the structural member,
in a first direction while continuing to suspend the tubular
component and the structural member; and reducing a first force
applied in the first direction against a tubular member in response
to permitting the tubular component to move in the first direction,
including applying a second force against the tubular component in
a second direction that is opposite the first direction. According
to one aspect, the first force applied in the first direction
against the tubular member is due, at least in part, to the weight
of the tubular component and the ability of the tubular component
to move relative to the structural member. According to another
aspect, the tubular component is part of a quill of a top drive;
and wherein the tubular member is, or is to be, part of a string of
drill pipe or casing. According to yet another aspect, applying the
second force against the tubular component in the second direction
includes passively supplying a substantially constant pressure to a
first internal region, through which an elongated member extends,
the elongated member being connected to the tubular component.
According to still yet another aspect, the method includes applying
a third force in the first direction against a head connected to
the elongated member to place the tubular component, relative to
the structural member, at a predetermined position along a linear
axis that extends in the first and second directions. According to
still yet another aspect, the method includes employing a position
sensor to measure the linear displacement of the tubular component,
relative to the structural member, along the linear axis; and
providing feedback to a controller operably coupled to the position
sensor to controllably place or maintain the tubular component at
the predetermined position. According to still yet another aspect,
applying the second force against the tubular component in the
second direction includes actively supplying a substantially
constant pressure to a first internal region, through which an
elongated member extends, the elongated member being connected to
the tubular component. According to still yet another aspect, the
method includes applying a third force in the first direction
against a head connected to the elongated member to place the
tubular component, relative to the structural member, at a
predetermined position along a linear axis that extends in the
first and second directions. According to still yet another aspect,
the method includes employing a position sensor to measure the
linear displacement of the tubular component, relative to the
structural member, along the linear axis; and providing feedback to
a controller operably coupled to the position sensor to
controllably place or maintain the tubular component at the
predetermined position. According to still yet another aspect, the
method includes rotatably supporting the tubular component; and
guiding an arm connected to the tubular component during movement
of the tubular component, relative to the structural member, in the
first or second direction.
[0048] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so
that a person of ordinary skill in the art may better understand
the aspects of the present disclosure. Such features may be
replaced by any one of numerous equivalent alternatives, only some
of which are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art
should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure
as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and
structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the
same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. One of
ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent
constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure, and that they may make various changes,
substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0049] The Abstract at the end of this disclosure is provided to
comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly
ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted
with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or
limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
[0050] Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not
to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of
any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim
expressly uses the word "means" together with an associated
function.
* * * * *