U.S. patent application number 13/871679 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for bearing apparatus and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Canring Drilling Technology Ltd.. Invention is credited to W. Randall SLOCUM, Preston WEINTRAUB.
Application Number | 20130284459 13/871679 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48325955 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130284459 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WEINTRAUB; Preston ; et
al. |
October 31, 2013 |
BEARING APPARATUS AND METHODS
Abstract
An apparatus including a first housing defining an opening and a
bearing housing disposed in the opening so that movement of at
least a portion of the bearing housing within the first housing and
along a first axis is permitted, the bearing housing defining first
and second bearing surfaces, the first and second bearing surfaces
being spaced apart along a second axis to prevent movement of the
bearing housing within the first housing and along the second axis,
the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.
Inventors: |
WEINTRAUB; Preston; (Spring,
TX) ; SLOCUM; W. Randall; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Canring Drilling Technology Ltd. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48325955 |
Appl. No.: |
13/871679 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61639445 |
Apr 27, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/380 ;
173/213; 384/126; 384/129; 384/456; 384/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 3/023 20130101;
E21B 19/16 20130101; F16C 23/08 20130101; F16C 27/066 20130101;
E21B 3/02 20130101; F16C 17/04 20130101; F16C 35/077 20130101; F16C
2352/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/380 ; 384/91;
384/129; 384/456; 384/126; 173/213 |
International
Class: |
E21B 3/02 20060101
E21B003/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first housing defining an opening;
and a bearing housing disposed in the opening so that movement of
at least a portion of the bearing housing within the first housing
and along a first axis is permitted, the bearing housing defining
first and second bearing surfaces, the first and second bearing
surfaces being spaced apart along a second axis to prevent movement
of the bearing housing within the first housing and along the
second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first
axis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bearing housing is at
least substantially annular in shape and defines an outside
diameter; wherein the opening is at least substantially cylindrical
in shape, and defines a center and an inside diameter of the first
housing that passes through the center, the inside diameter of the
first housing being greater than the outside diameter of the
bearing housing; wherein the first axis extends radially through
the center; and wherein the second axis extends longitudinally
through the center.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the difference between the
outside diameter and the inside diameter limits the range of
movement of the bearing housing within the first housing and along
the first axis.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a compressible
element disposed in the opening and between an outside surface of
the bearing housing and an inside surface of the first housing that
is defined by the opening.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the compressible element is
coupled to the bearing housing and compresses in response to
movement of the bearing housing within the first housing and along
the first axis.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first flat
bearing and a second flat bearing defining a third bearing surface
and a fourth bearing surface, respectively; wherein the first and
the second flat bearings are spaced along the second axis; and
wherein the third and the fourth bearing surfaces engage the first
and the second bearing surfaces, respectively, to prevent movement
of the bearing housing within the first housing and along the
second axis.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first tubular
member around which the bearing housing circumferentially extends;
a second tubular member spaced from the first tubular member along
the second axis; and a third tubular member coupled to at least one
of the first and the second tubular members and extending between
the first and the second tubular members; wherein movement of the
bearing housing within the first housing and along the first axis
reduces any bending moment experienced by the third tubular
member.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the third tubular member is
coupled to the second tubular member; wherein the apparatus further
comprises a fourth tubular member coupled to the first tubular
member and extending between the first and the third tubular
member, the fourth tubular member comprising an opposing first and
a second end portion; and wherein movement of the bearing housing
within the first housing and along the first axis reduces any
bending moment experienced by the fourth tubular member.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first, second, and third
tubular members define a first, a second, and a third internal
passage, respectively; wherein the first end portion of the fourth
tubular member extends within the first internal passage and at
least the second end portion of the fourth tubular member extends
within the third internal passage; and wherein at least a portion
of the third tubular member extends within the second internal
passage.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a top drive; and
a quill operably coupled to the top drive; wherein the second
tubular member is part of the quill, the third tubular member is a
sleeve of the top drive, and the fourth tubular member is a piston
of the top drive.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a radial bearing
disposed in the bearing housing, the radial bearing comprising: a
first ring to engage a tubular member; and a second ring engaged
with the bearing housing, the second ring extending
circumferentially about, and spaced along the first axis from, the
first ring.
12. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a radial bearing
disposed in the bearing housing, the radial bearing comprising: a
first ring to engage a tubular member; and a second ring engaged
with the bearing housing, the second ring extending
circumferentially about, and spaced along the first axis from, the
first ring; wherein the first flat bearing and the second flat
bearing are generally annular in shape and define an inside
diameter; and wherein the inside diameter of the first flat bearing
and the second flat bearing are greater than or equals to a
diameter of the second ring.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the radial bearing is
disposed in the bearing housing between the first bearing surface
and the second bearing surface.
14. A method, comprising: disposing a bearing housing in an opening
defined by a first housing; permitting movement of the bearing
housing within the first housing and along a first axis; and
preventing movement of the bearing housing within the first housing
and along a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the
first axis.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the bearing housing is
generally annular in shape and defines an outside diameter; wherein
the opening is generally cylindrical in shape, and defines a center
and an inside diameter of the first housing that passes through the
center, the inside diameter of the first housing being greater than
the outside diameter of the bearing housing; wherein the first axis
extends radially through the center; and wherein the second axis
extends longitudinally through the center.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the difference between the
outside diameter and the inside diameter limits the range of
movement of the bearing housing within the first housing and along
the first axis.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the bearing housing moves in a
first direction along the first axis; and wherein the method
further comprises urging the bearing housing to move in a second
opposite direction along the first axis in response to the movement
of the bearing housing in the first direction along the first
axis.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein preventing movement of the
bearing housing within the first housing and along the second axis
comprises engaging a first flat bearing and a second flat bearing
against the bearing housing, the first flat bearing and the second
flat bearing being spaced along the second axis.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: employing the
bearing housing to rotatably support the first tubular member;
spacing a second tubular member from the first tubular member along
the second axis; and coupling a third tubular member to at least
one of the first and second tubular members so that the third
tubular member extends between the first and second tubular
members; wherein movement of the bearing housing within the first
housing and along the first axis reduces any bending moment
experienced by the third tubular member.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising coupling a fourth
tubular member to at least one of the first and third tubular
members so that the fourth tubular member extends between the first
and third tubular members; wherein movement of the bearing housing
within the first housing and along the first axis reduces any
bending moment experienced by the fourth tubular member.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first, second, and third
tubular members define first, second and third internal passages,
respectively; wherein the first end portion of the fourth tubular
member extends within the first internal passage and at least the
second end portion of the fourth tubular member extends within the
third internal passage; and wherein at least a portion of the third
tubular member extends within the second internal passage.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the second tubular member is
part of a quill operably coupled to a top drive, the third tubular
member is a sleeve of the top drive, and the fourth tubular member
is a piston of the top drive.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein employing the bearing housing
to rotatably support the first tubular member comprises disposing a
radial bearing coupled to the first tubular member in the bearing
housing, the radial bearing comprising: a first ring to engage the
first tubular member; and a second ring engaged with the bearing
housing, the second ring extending circumferentially about, and
spaced along the first axis from, the first ring; wherein the first
flat bearing and the second flat bearing are generally annular in
shape and define an inside diameter; and wherein the inside
diameter of the first flat bearing and the second flat bearing is
greater than or equals to a diameter of the second ring.
24. A method, comprising: spacing apart first and second tubular
members; coupling a third tubular member to each of the first and
second tubular members so that the third tubular member extends
therebetween; rotatably supporting each of the first and second
tubular members; and reducing any bending moment experienced by the
third tubular member while rotatably supporting each of the first
and second tubular members.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first, second, and third
tubular members extend longitudinally along a first axis; wherein
rotatably supporting each of the first and second tubular members
comprises: disposing a bearing housing in an opening defined by a
first housing; and extending the first tubular member within the
opening so that the bearing housing circumferentially extends
around the first tubular member; and wherein reducing any bending
moment experienced by the third tubular member during rotatably
supporting each of the first and second tubular members comprises:
permitting movement of the bearing housing within the first housing
and along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;
and preventing movement of the bearing housing within the first
housing and along the first axis.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the bearing housing moves in a
first direction along the second axis; and wherein the method
further comprises urging the bearing housing to move in a second
direction along the second axis in response to the movement of the
bearing housing in the first direction along the second axis, the
second direction being opposite to the first direction.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein the second tubular member is
part of a quill operably coupled to a top drive, and the third
tubular member is one of a sleeve and a piston associated with the
top drive.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Application No. 61/639,445, filed Apr. 27, 2012, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure is directed to an apparatus including a
bearing housing fixed in one direction and moveable in a second,
perpendicular direction, along with methods of using such bearing
housings and apparatuses.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Top drive systems are used to rotate a drill string made up
of tubulars within a wellbore. Some top drives include a quill that
provides vertical float between the top drive and the drill string,
where the quill is usually threadedly connected to an upper end of
a tubular of the drill string to transmit torque and rotary
movement to the drill string. Alternatively, it may be indirectly
linked to the drill string through a clamp, for example.
[0004] While drilling, drilling fluids or drilling mud are
delivered to the drill string through a washpipe system connected
to the quill. From the top drive and associated wash pipe, the
fluids are transported and supplied to the drill string through the
quill. Sometimes additional drilling fluids such as cement,
chemicals, epoxy resins, etc. are also delivered downhole via the
same system.
[0005] The washpipe system often has multiple components. Due to
imperfections that come with the machining process, as well as wear
on components once in use, there can be a difference between two
diameters on a single component. Effectively, the center lines of
two diameters of one component are not shared perfectly. Instead,
there is a distance between the two center lines. Stacking multiple
components introduces additional center lines that may not be
shared, and the distance between center lines can increase. If the
objective is to guide this stacked set of components on a common
center, the distance between center lines will be forced to zero,
introducing forces into the components.
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses and
methods to address this problem of undesired forces in the
components. Thus, the present disclosure provides a unique
structural arrangement that supports a bearing and/or bearing
housing such that it absorbs the differences between components'
center lines, or radial runout, by allowing motion of the bearing
and/or bearing housing in the radial direction while preventing
movement in a longitudinal direction. Absorbing radial runout
reduces the forces introduced into the components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] 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.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an apparatus according to one or
more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2A is a sectional view of an apparatus according to one
or more aspects of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2B is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 2A; and
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustration of a method of operating
the apparatus of FIG. 2A, according to one or more aspects of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] 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.
[0013] The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses and
methods having a unique structural arrangement that support a
bearing and/or bearing housing such that it absorbs radial runout
by allowing motion of said bearing and/or bearing housing in one
direction, e.g., the radial direction, while maintaining rigidity
in a second, perpendicular direction, e.g., axial rigidity (face
parallelism).
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic view of an
apparatus 100 demonstrating one or more aspects of the present
disclosure. The apparatus 100 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,
well service rigs adapted for drilling and/or re-entry operations,
and casing drilling rigs, among others within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0015] The apparatus 100 includes a mast 105 supporting lifting
gear above a rig floor 110. The lifting gear includes a crown block
115 and a traveling block 120. The crown block 115 is coupled at or
near the top of the mast 105, and the traveling block 120 hangs
from the crown block 115 by a drilling line 125. One end of the
drilling line 125 extends from the lifting gear to drawworks 130,
which is configured to reel out and reel in the drilling line 125
to cause the traveling block 120 to be lowered and raised relative
to the rig floor 110. The other end of the drilling line 125, known
as a dead line anchor, is anchored to a fixed position, possibly
near the drawworks 130 or elsewhere on the rig.
[0016] A hook 135 is attached to the bottom of the traveling block
120. A top drive 140 is suspended from the hook 135. A quill 145
extending from the top drive 140 is attached to a saver sub 150,
which is attached to a drill string 155 suspended within a wellbore
160. Alternatively, the quill 145 may be attached to the drill
string 155 directly. It should be understood that other
conventional techniques for arranging a rig do not require a
drilling line, and these are included in the scope of this
disclosure.
[0017] The drill string 155 includes interconnected sections of
drill pipe 165, a bottom hole assembly (BHA) 170, and a drill bit
175. The bottom hole assembly 170 may include stabilizers, drill
collars, and/or measurement-while-drilling (MWD) or wireline
conveyed instruments, among other components. The drill bit 175,
which may also be referred to herein as a tool, is connected to the
bottom of the BHA 170 or is otherwise attached to the drill string
155. One or more pumps 180 may deliver drilling fluid to the drill
string 155 through a hose or other conduit 185, which may be
fluidically and/or actually connected to the top drive 140. This
embodiment includes an apparatus 200 that may be referred to as a
floating bearing apparatus disposed between the top drive 140 and
the quill 145. The apparatus 200 is described more fully further
below.
[0018] Still referring to FIG. 1, the top drive 140 is used to
impart rotary motion to the drill string 155. However, aspects of
the present disclosure are also applicable or readily adaptable to
implementations utilizing other drive systems, such as a power
swivel, a rotary table, a coiled tubing unit, a downhole motor,
and/or a conventional rotary rig, among others.
[0019] The apparatus 100 also includes a control system 190
configured to control or assist in the control of one or more
components of the apparatus 100. For example, the control system
190 may be configured to transmit operational control signals to
the drawworks 130, the top drive 140, the BHA 170 and/or the pump
180. The control system 190 may be a stand-alone component
installed near the mast 105 and/or other components of the
apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the control system 190 is
physically displaced at a location separate and apart from the
drilling rig.
[0020] The washpipe system depicted often has multiple components.
Due to imperfections that come with the machining process, there
can be a difference between two diameters on a single component, or
runout between two diameters on a single component. Effectively,
the center lines of two diameters of one component are not shared
perfectly. Instead, there is a distance between the two center
lines, which is often referred to as the total indicated runout
(TIR). The runout between two diameters is twice the TIR. Stacking
multiple components introduces additional center lines that may not
be shared, and the distance between center lines can increase. This
can lead to an increase in the TIR. If the objective is to guide
this stacked set of components on a common center, the distance
between center lines will be forced to zero, introducing forces
into the components. Such forces can, for example, cause premature
wear or even component failure.
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B show an exemplary embodiment of the
apparatus 200 referenced in FIG. 1 that allows for TIR, and
therefore, reduces the creation of forces, such as a bending
moment, within components of the apparatus 200. The apparatus 200
connects to, or is driven by, the top drive 140 (FIG. 1). For
explanatory purposes, the apparatus 200 is divided into sections.
Accordingly, as referenced in FIG. 2A, the apparatus 200 includes a
first stationary section 202 and a second rotating and
reciprocating section 204. The stationary section 202 connects with
a non-rotating portion of the top drive 140, for example, and the
rotating and reciprocating section 204 connects to a tubular of the
drill string 155 (FIG. 1) to make a part of a well casing.
[0022] The following description references FIGS. 2A and 2B. A
fluid flow passage 206 having a longitudinal axis 208 extends
through both the stationary section 202 and the rotating and
reciprocating section 204. An inlet 210 to the flow passage 206 is
formed at the stationary section 202, and provides fluid to the
quill 145 connected to the rotating and reciprocating section 204.
A bonnet or housing 216 is disposed over both the stationary
section 202 and the rotating and reciprocating section 204. In this
embodiment, the housing 216 is rigidly connected to the stationary
section 202 and includes an intermediate support section 217
extending radially inwardly. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the
intermediate support section 217 supports at least a portion of the
stationary section 202 and the rotating and reciprocating section
204. In one embodiment, an opening exists in the intermediate
support section 217, the opening having a longitudinal axis
arranged in parallel or "at least substantially" (e.g., within 10
degrees) parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stationary section
202 and/or the rotating and reciprocating section 204. In one
embodiment, the opening is at least substantially cylindrical in
shape and defines a center and an inside diameter of the housing
216 that passes through the center. In one embodiment, the axis 208
extends longitudinally through the center of the opening of the
intermediate support section 217.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the stationary section 202
includes an upper connection 218, a housing fixture 220 coupling
the upper connection 218 to the housing 216, and a first portion
224a of a rotational seal 224. The upper connection 218 is a rigid
element forming a portion of the fluid flow passage 206. The
housing fixture 220 also forms a portion of the fluid flow passage
206 and is coupled to a flange 226 securing the housing 216 in
place.
[0024] The rotating and reciprocating section 204 includes a second
portion 224b of the rotational seal 224, a first rotating component
228, a turn lock adapter 230, a washpipe referred to herein as a
conduit 232, and a reciprocating assembly 234.
[0025] The second portion 224b of the rotational seal 224 abuts the
first portion 224a of the rotational seal 224, coupling the
stationary section 202 and the rotating and reciprocating section
204 in a sealed and rotatable matter. Accordingly, the first and
second portions 224a, 224b of the rotational seal 224 accommodate
rotation while preventing fluid ingress and egress between the
fluid flow passage 206 and the outer environment.
[0026] The first rotating component 228 is fixedly connected to,
and may carry the second portion 224b of the rotational seal 224.
It attaches to an extending flange portion 236 that extends over
the intermediate support section 217 of the housing 216, preventing
the first rotating component 228 from passing through the housing
216. The first rotating component 228 is coupled to the turn lock
adapter 230. In some embodiments, the turn lock adapter 230 forms a
portion of the fluid flow passage 206. In one embodiment, the turn
lock adapter 230 extends through the opening in the intermediate
support section 217.
[0027] To accommodate the rotating first rotating component 228 and
the turn lock adapter 230 in the stationary housing 216, the
apparatus 200 includes a plurality of bearing assemblies or
bearings 238 and 240. The plurality of bearings 238 and 240 are
disposed between a bearing housing 242 and the turn lock adapter
230. In one embodiment, the bearings 238 and 240 are radial
bearings. In one embodiment, the bearings 238 and 240 are
continuous rings. In another embodiment, the bearings 238 and 240
are independently selected, e.g., such that one is a set of radial
bearings and the other is a continuous ring. In one embodiment, the
bearings 238 and 240 have an outer surface corresponding to an
outer diameter and have an inner surface corresponding to an inner
diameter. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the bearing 238
is equal to or "at least substantially similar" (e.g., difference
between diameters within +/-10% of smaller diameter) to the outer
diameter of the bearing 240. In one embodiment, the inner diameter
of the bearing 238 is equal to or at least substantially similar to
the inner diameter of the bearing 240. In one embodiment, the
bearing 238 has an upper bearing surface and a lower bearing
surface, and a bearing height between its upper bearing surface and
its lower bearing surface measured in a direction along the axis
208. In one embodiment, the bearing 240 has an upper bearing
surface and a lower bearing surface, and a bearing height between
its upper bearing surface and its lower bearing surface measured in
a direction along the axis 208. In one embodiment, the apparatus
200 may have any number of bearings or bearing assemblies.
[0028] The bearing housing 242 is contained within the opening in
the intermediate support section 217. The bearing housing 242
includes an annular sealing element, such as an O-ring 244,
disposed between the outside surface of the bearing housing 242 and
an inside surface of the opening of the intermediate section 217.
The O-ring 244 typically extends circumferentially around the
bearing housing 242. In an exemplary embodiment, an annular groove
is formed in the outside surface of the bearing housing 242, and
the O-ring 244 extends within the annular groove. In an exemplary
embodiment, respective annular grooves are formed in the outside
surface of the bearing housing 242 and the inside surface of the
opening, and the O-ring 244 and an annular sealing element, such an
as an O-ring 246 extend within the respective annular grooves. In
one embodiment, an inside diameter of the O-ring 244 is less than
an outside diameter of the bearing housing 242.
[0029] In one embodiment, the outside diameter of the bearing
housing 242 is less than a diameter of the inside surface of the
opening of the intermediate support section 217, creating a housing
clearance. That is, the difference between the diameter of the
inside surface of the opening of the intermediate support section
217 and the outside diameter of the bearing housing 242 is equal to
the housing clearance in this embodiment. In one embodiment, the
housing clearance is equal to the runout associated with components
of the apparatus 200. In one embodiment, the housing clearance is
equal to the runout that is associated with components of the
apparatus 200 and that is to be allowed within the floating bearing
system. In one embodiment, the housing clearance equals to the
runout associated with components of the apparatus 200 so that
radial translation of the bearing housing 242 absorbs the runout
associated with components of the apparatus 200. In one embodiment,
the housing clearance is equal to the TIR associated with
components of the apparatus 200. In one embodiment, the housing
clearance is equal to the TIR that is associated with components of
the apparatus 200 and that is to be allowed within the apparatus
200. In one embodiment, the housing clearance equals to the TIR
associated with components of the apparatus 200 so that the radial
translation of the bearing housing 242 absorbs the TIR associated
with components of the apparatus 200. In one embodiment, the
outside diameter of the bearing housing 242 correlates to the
expected runout or TIR within the components. In one embodiment,
the radial translation of the bearing housing 242 is along a
transverse axis 247 of the bearing housing 242. In one embodiment,
the transverse axis 247 of the bearing housing 242 is perpendicular
to the axis 208. In one embodiment, the transverse axis 247 extends
radially through the center of the opening of the intermediate
support structure 217.
[0030] In one embodiment, the bearing housing 242 has an upper
surface spaced along the axis 208 and a lower surface spaced along
the axis 208. In one embodiment, a bearing housing height is the
distance between the upper surface of the bearing housing 242 and
the lower surface of the bearing housing 242 measured along the
axis 208. In one embodiment, the bearing housing height is greater
than the bearing height of the bearing 238 or the bearing height of
the bearing 240 or both. In one embodiment, the upper surface of
the bearing housing 242 extends above the upper bearing surface of
the bearing 238. In one embodiment, the lower surface of the
bearing housing 242 extends below the lower bearing surface of the
bearing 240. That is, an annular groove is formed in an inside
surface of the bearing housing 242, and the bearings 238 and 240
extend within the annular groove. In this embodiment, the bearings
238, 240 may be arranged so as to not contact the upper or lower
surface of the bearing housing 242.
[0031] In one embodiment, the bearing housing 242 has a flat
bearing 248 located above the upper surface of the bearing housing
242 to maintain axial alignment of the bearing housing 242 with the
axis 247. In one embodiment, the bearing housing 242 has a flat
bearing 250 located below the lower surface of the bearing housing
242 to maintain axial alignment of the bearing housing 242 with the
axis 247. In one embodiment, a loading nut applies pressure to the
flat bearings 248 and 250 so that the bearing housing 242 does not
rotate about the axis 208 while translating in the radial direction
along the transverse axis 247. In one embodiment, any type of
fastener may be used to apply pressure to the flat bearings 248 and
250. In one embodiment, the flat bearings 248 and 250 engage the
bearing housing 242 to prevent movement of the bearing housing 242
along the axis 208. In one embodiment, the flat bearings 248 and
250 are radial and have an inner diameter and an outer diameter. In
one embodiment, the inner diameter of the flat bearings 248 and 250
is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the bearings 238
and 240. In one embodiment, the flat bearings 248 and 250 do not
contact the bearings 238 and 240 so that at least a portion of the
bearings 238 and 240 are free to rotate about the axis 208. In one
embodiment, the outer diameter of the flat bearings 248 and 250 are
equal to or substantially similar to the outer diameter of the
bearing housing 242. In one embodiment, the flat bearings 248 and
250 are Garlock DU bearings. In another embodiment, the bearing
housing 242 is manufactured from a commercially available bearing
material, such as SAE 630.
[0032] In one embodiment, the turn lock adapter 230 is fixedly
engaged with the washpipe or conduit 232. In one embodiment, the
conduit 232 is a piston of a top drive 140. Accordingly, the
conduit 232 rotates with the turn lock adapter 230. The conduit 232
is configured to form a portion of the fluid flow passage 206. In
this example, the conduit 232 includes a body 252 that extends
through the opening of the intermediate section 217 toward the
quill 145. In one embodiment, a lower end 254 of the conduit 232
has an outer diameter matching that of the body 252 of the conduit.
In this embodiment, a sleeve 256 is configured to receive the lower
end 254 of the conduit 232. Accordingly, a diameter of an opening
of the sleeve 256 is greater than the outer diameter of the lower
end 254. In one embodiment, the quill 145 includes an inner fluid
flow passage and is configured to receive a lower end of the sleeve
256. Accordingly, the diameter of the inner fluid flow passage of
the quill 145 is greater than an outer diameter of the lower end of
the sleeve 256. In one embodiment, the summation of runout
associated with the quill 145, the sleeve 256, the conduit 232, or
any combination thereof, results in a longitudinal axis of the turn
lock adapter 230 being offset from the axis 208 by a cumulative
TIR. Instead of forcing a longitudinal axis of the turn lock
adapter 230 to rotate about the axis 208, the turn lock adapter 230
may rotate about its longitudinal axis because of the housing
clearance.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3 with
continuing reference to FIGS. 1-2B, a method of reducing bending
moment within stacked components, by operating the apparatus 200,
is generally referred to by the reference numeral 300.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, at step 305, the bearing housing
242 is disposed in the opening of the intermediate support
structure 217.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, at step 310, movement of the
bearing housing 242 along the axis 247 is permitted in a first
direction. Movement is permitted along the axis 247 due to the
difference between the diameter of the inside surface of the
opening of the intermediate support section 217 and the outside
diameter of the bearing housing 242. In an exemplary embodiment,
this difference, or the housing clearance, correlates to the amount
of TIR or runout that will be absorbed by the apparatus 200. Thus,
movement in the first direction is permitted to absorb the runout.
In one embodiment, the outside diameter of the bearing housing 242
is based on the expected runout of the components. That is, as the
expected runout increases, the outside diameter of the bearing
housing 242 decreases. In one embodiment, the movement in the first
direction is equal to or lesser than the runout.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, at step 315, movement of the
bearing housing 242 along the axis 208 is prevented. In one
embodiment, movement is prevented along the axis 208 due to the
flat bearing 248 engaging the upper surface of the bearing housing
242 and the flat bearing 250 engaging the lower surface of the
bearing housing 242. Pressure can be applied, using the flat
bearings 248 and 250, in a direction along the axis 208 to secure
the bearing housing 242 at a location along the axis 208.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, at step 320, the bearing housing
242 is urged to move in a second direction along the axis 247,
where the second direction is opposite the first direction. In one
embodiment, the annular sealing element, such as the O-ring 244,
urges the bearing housing 242 to move in the second direction along
the axis 247. In one embodiment, compression characteristics of the
O-ring 244 correlate to the urging of the bearing housing 242 along
the axis 247. In one embodiment, a thickness of the O-ring 244
correlates to the urging of the bearing housing 242 along the axis
247. In one embodiment, the O-ring 244 can be compressed by the
TIR. In one embodiment, a hardness of the annular sealing elements
correlates to the urging of the bearing housing 242 along the axis
247 and/or to vibration dampening within the apparatus 200. In one
embodiment, the material of the annular sealing elements correlates
to the urging of the bearing housing 242 along the axis 247 and/or
to vibration dampening within the apparatus 200. In one embodiment,
a cross-sectional shape of the annular sealing element correlates
to the urging of the bearing housing 242 along the axis 247 and/or
the vibration dampening within the apparatus 200. For example, a
Quad-Seal, H-Seal, or any other variety of seal can correlate to
vibration dampening characteristics within the apparatus 200. In
one embodiment, the annular sealing element may be a
spring-energized lip seal or O-ring loaded lip seal, such as a
Parker PolyPak.RTM. Seal. In one embodiment, one or more annular
grooves in the outside surface of the bearing housing 242 is not
associated with an annular sealing element. For example, four
annular grooves may be located on the outside surface of the
bearing housing 242, but only two of the four annular grooves may
have an annular sealing element located therein. In one embodiment,
the apparatus 200 includes any number of annular grooves and any
number of annular sealing elements. In one embodiment, the number
of annular sealing elements correlates to the urging of the bearing
housing 242 along the axis 247 and/or to vibration dampening within
the apparatus 200. Before or after operation of the apparatus 200,
the number of annular sealing elements may be altered to reduce or
alter vibrations within the apparatus 200 while the apparatus is in
operation. Additionally, before or after operation of the apparatus
200, an annular sealing element may be exchanged for an annular
sealing element having a different hardness, thickness, shape,
etc., or a combination thereof, to reduce or alter vibrations
within the apparatus 200 while the apparatus is in operation. The
annular sealing element characteristics, in combination with the
number and placement of such annular sealing elements, can be
adjusted to minimize or prevent undesirable levels of vibration
during operation of the apparatus 200. In one embodiment, reducing
or altering vibrations within the apparatus 200 while the apparatus
200 is in operation inhibits or prevents the apparatus 200 from
resonating, or vibrating, at a frequency at which resonance of the
apparatus 200, or a portion of the apparatus 200, occurs.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, at step 325, the bearing housing
242 rotatably supports a first tubular member. In one embodiment,
the first tubular member is the turn lock adapter 230.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, at step 330, a second tubular
member is spaced from the first tubular member along the axis 208.
In an exemplary embodiment, the second tubular member is the quill
145.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, at step 335, a third tubular
member is coupled to at least one of the first and second tubular
members so that the third tubular member extends between the first
and the second tubular member. In one embodiment, the third tubular
member is the sleeve 256. In one embodiment, the movement of the
bearing housing 242 and/or bearings 238 and 240 reduces any bending
movement experienced by the third tubular member or the sleeve
256.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, at step 340, a fourth tubular
member is coupled to at least one of the first and third tubular
members so that the fourth tubular member extends between the first
and the third tubular member. In one embodiment, the fourth tubular
member is the conduit 232. In one embodiment, the movement of the
bearing housing 242 and/or bearings 238 and 240 reduces any bending
movement experienced by the fourth tubular member or the conduit
232.
[0042] In one embodiment, the radial translation or movement of the
bearing s238 and 240 and/or bearing housing 242 of the apparatus
200 in the method 300 reduces a bending moment occurring within the
conduit 232 or the sleeve 256 or both.
[0043] The disclosure encompasses an apparatus, which has a first
housing defining an opening; and a bearing housing disposed in the
opening so that movement of at least a portion of the bearing
housing within the first housing and along a first axis is
permitted, the bearing housing defining first and second bearing
surfaces, the first and second bearing surfaces being spaced apart
along a second axis to prevent movement of the bearing housing
within the first housing and along the second axis, the second axis
being perpendicular to the first axis. In some aspects, the bearing
housing is at least substantially annular in shape and defines an
outside diameter; wherein the opening is at least substantially
cylindrical in shape, and defines a center and an inside diameter
of the first housing that passes through the center, the inside
diameter of the first housing being greater than the outside
diameter of the bearing housing; wherein the first axis extends
radially through the center; and wherein the second axis extends
longitudinally through the center. In some aspects, the difference
between the outside diameter and the inside diameter limits the
range of movement of the bearing housing within the first housing
and along the first axis. In some aspects, the apparatus further
has a compressible element disposed in the opening and between an
outside surface of the bearing housing and an inside surface of the
first housing that is defined by the opening. In some aspects, the
compressible element is coupled to the bearing housing and
compresses in response to movement of the bearing housing within
the first housing and along the first axis. In some aspects, the
apparatus further has a first flat bearing and a second flat
bearing defining a third bearing surface and a fourth bearing
surface, respectively; wherein the first and the second flat
bearings are spaced along the second axis; and wherein the third
and the fourth bearing surfaces engage the first and the second
bearing surfaces, respectively, to prevent movement of the bearing
housing within the first housing and along the second axis. In some
aspects, the apparatus further has: a first tubular member around
which the bearing housing circumferentially extends; a second
tubular member spaced from the first tubular member along the
second axis; and a third tubular member coupled to at least one of
the first and the second tubular members and extending between the
first and the second tubular members; wherein movement of the
bearing housing within the first housing and along the first axis
reduces any bending moment experienced by the third tubular member.
In some aspects, the third tubular member is coupled to the second
tubular member; wherein the apparatus further includes a fourth
tubular member coupled to the first tubular member and extending
between the first and the third tubular member, the fourth tubular
member including an opposing first and a second end portion; and
wherein movement of the bearing housing within the first housing
and along the first axis reduces any bending moment experienced by
the fourth tubular member. In some aspects, the first, second, and
third tubular members define a first, a second, and a third
internal passage, respectively; wherein the first end portion of
the fourth tubular member extends within the first internal passage
and at least the second end portion of the fourth tubular member
extends within the third internal passage; and wherein at least a
portion of the third tubular member extends within the second
internal passage. In some aspects, the apparatus further has: a top
drive; and a quill operably coupled to the top drive; wherein the
second tubular member is part of the quill, the third tubular
member is a sleeve of the top drive, and the fourth tubular member
is a piston of the top drive. In some aspects, the apparatus
further has a radial bearing disposed in the bearing housing, the
radial bearing including; a first ring to engage a tubular member;
and a second ring engaged with the bearing housing, the second ring
extending circumferentially about, and spaced along the first axis
from, the first ring. In some aspects, the apparatus further has a
radial bearing disposed in the bearing housing, the radial bearing
including: a first ring to engage a tubular member; and a second
ring engaged with the bearing housing, the second ring extending
circumferentially about, and spaced along the first axis from, the
first ring; wherein the first flat bearing and the second flat
bearing are generally annular in shape and define an inside
diameter; and wherein the inside diameter of the first flat bearing
and the second flat bearing is greater than or equals to a diameter
of the second ring. In some aspects, the radial bearing is disposed
in the bearing housing between the first bearing surface and the
second bearing surface.
[0044] The present disclosure also introduces a method including:
disposing a bearing housing in an opening defined by a first
housing; permitting movement of the bearing housing within the
first housing and along a first axis; and preventing movement of
the bearing housing within the first housing and along a second
axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis. In
some aspects, the bearing housing is generally annular in shape and
defines an outside diameter; wherein the opening is generally
cylindrical in shape, and defines a center and an inside diameter
of the first housing that passes through the center, the inside
diameter of the first housing being greater than the outside
diameter of the bearing housing; wherein the first axis extends
radially through the center; and wherein the second axis extends
longitudinally through the center. In some aspects, the difference
between the outside diameter and the inside diameter limits the
range of movement of the bearing housing within the first housing
and along the first axis. In some aspects, the bearing housing
moves in a first direction along the first axis; and wherein the
method further includes urging the bearing housing to move in a
second opposite direction along the first axis in response to the
movement of the bearing housing in the first direction along the
first axis. In some aspects, preventing movement of the bearing
housing within the first housing and along the second axis includes
engaging a first flat bearing and a second flat bearing against the
bearing housing, the first flat bearing and the second flat bearing
being spaced along the second axis. In some aspects, the method
further includes: employing the bearing housing to rotatably
support the first tubular member; spacing a second tubular member
from the first tubular member along the second axis; and coupling a
third tubular member to at least one of the first and second
tubular members so that the third tubular member extends between
the first and second tubular members; wherein movement of the
bearing housing within the first housing and along the first axis
reduces any bending moment experienced by the third tubular member.
In some aspects, the method further includes coupling a fourth
tubular member to at least one of the first and third tubular
members so that the fourth tubular member extends between the first
and third tubular members; wherein movement of the bearing housing
within the first housing and along the first axis reduces any
bending moment experienced by the fourth tubular member. In some
aspects, the first, second, and third tubular members define first,
second and third internal passages, respectively; wherein the first
end portion of the fourth tubular member extends within the first
internal passage and at least the second end portion of the fourth
tubular member extends within the third internal passage; and
wherein at least a portion of the third tubular member extends
within the second internal passage. In some aspects, the second
tubular member is part of a quill operably coupled to a top drive,
the third tubular member is a sleeve of the top drive, and the
fourth tubular member is a piston of the top drive. In some
aspects, employing the bearing housing to rotatably support the
first tubular member includes disposing a radial bearing coupled to
the first tubular member in the bearing housing, the radial bearing
including: a first ring to engage the first tubular member; and a
second ring engaged with the bearing housing, the second ring
extending circumferentially about, and spaced along the first axis
from, the first ring; wherein the first flat bearing and the second
flat bearing are generally annular in shape and define an inside
diameter; and wherein the inside diameter of the first flat bearing
and the second flat bearing is greater than or equals to a diameter
of the second ring.
[0045] The present disclosure also introduces a method that
includes: spacing apart first and second tubular members; coupling
a third tubular member to each of the first and second tubular
members so that the third tubular member extends therebetween;
rotatably supporting each of the first and second tubular members;
and reducing any bending moment experienced by the third tubular
member while rotatably supporting each of the first and second
tubular members. In some aspects, the first, second, and third
tubular members extend longitudinally along a first axis; wherein
rotatably supporting each of the first and second tubular members
includes: disposing a bearing housing in an opening defined by a
first housing; and extending the first tubular member within the
opening so that the bearing housing circumferentially extends
around the first tubular member; and wherein reducing any bending
moment experienced by the third tubular member during rotatably
supporting each of the first and second tubular members includes:
permitting movement of the bearing housing within the first housing
and along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;
and preventing movement of the bearing housing within the first
housing and along the first axis. In some aspects, the bearing
housing moves in a first direction along the second axis; and
wherein the method further includes urging the bearing housing to
move in a second direction along the second axis in response to the
movement of the bearing housing in the first direction along the
second axis, the second direction being opposite to the first
direction. In some aspects, the second tubular member is part of a
quill operably coupled to a top drive, and the third tubular member
is one of a sleeve and a piston associated with the top drive.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not
to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112(f) 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.
* * * * *