U.S. patent application number 13/897405 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for system and method for erecting a drilling rig.
The applicant listed for this patent is Phillip Rivera, Jr., Phillip Rivera, Sr.. Invention is credited to Phillip Rivera, Jr., Phillip Rivera, Sr..
Application Number | 20130305632 13/897405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49580127 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130305632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rivera, Sr.; Phillip ; et
al. |
November 21, 2013 |
System and Method for Erecting a Drilling Rig
Abstract
A system and method for erecting a drilling rig is disclosed
herein. A system for erecting a drilling rig can comprise a
substructure comprising a base platform. Additionally, the rig can
comprise a modular rig mast comprising a plurality of sections, the
plurality of sections comprising a first section, and the rig mast
mountable to the substructure. Lastly, the rig can comprise a first
one or more lifting means, the one or more lifting means each
having a first end connected to the rig mast and a second end
connected to the structure, the lifting means capable of lifting
the rig mast from a horizontal position to a vertical position.
Inventors: |
Rivera, Sr.; Phillip;
(Houston, TX) ; Rivera, Jr.; Phillip; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rivera, Sr.; Phillip
Rivera, Jr.; Phillip |
Houston
Houston |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49580127 |
Appl. No.: |
13/897405 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61648624 |
May 18, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/117 ;
52/745.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 7/02 20130101; E21B
15/00 20130101; E04H 12/345 20130101; E04H 12/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/117 ;
52/745.17 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/34 20060101
E04H012/34; E04H 12/00 20060101 E04H012/00 |
Claims
1. A self-erecting land rig comprising a substructure comprising a
base platform; a modular rig mast comprising a plurality of
sections, said plurality comprising a first section, said rig mast
mountable to said substructure; and a first one or more lifting
means, said one or more lifting means each having a first end
connected to said rig mast and a second end connected to said
structure, said lifting means capable of lifting said rig mast from
a horizontal position to a vertical position.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of rig mast
sections connect using one or more locking mechanisms.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said at least one of said locking
mechanism comprises a splice hook.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said base platform comprises a
slot, said mast platform insertable into said slot of said base
platform.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said rig ramp comprises a track
system across which said plurality of rig mast sections can travel
across, said first rig mast section comprising track wheels.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a winch system
comprising one or more winches and a plurality of cables, said
cables attachable to said first section of said rig mast, said
first section of said rig mast moveable by said winch system.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said winch system further
comprises one or more winch support frames that support said one or
more winches.
8. The system of claim 7 further comprising a second one or more
lifting means capable of lifting said winch system
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said lifting means are hydraulic
cylinders.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said base platform comprises
base lifters beneath said base platform, said base lifters capable
of elevating said base platform with said assembled mast
platform.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said first section of said rig
mast comprises a plurality of legs, two or more of said legs
comprising wheels.
12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a rig ramp extending
from the outermost surface of said substructure, said rig ramp
comprising a plurality of beams capable of transporting a first
section of said rig mast onto said base platform, said first
section of said rig mast capable of sliding up said rig ramp.
13. A method for erecting a drilling rig comprising the steps
connecting a first section of a rig mast to a substructure using a
first locking mechanism, to form at least a portion of said rig
mast, said rig mast in a substantially horizontal position;
connecting a second section of said rig mast to a first section
using a second locking mechanism, to form at least a portion of
said rig mast; and raising said assembled rig mast from said
substantially horizontal position to substantially vertical
position, using a lifting means.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step connecting a
third section of said rig mast on to said second rig mast using a
third locking mechanism.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein said second locking mechanism
comprises a splice hook.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising elevating said rig
mast platform by a plurality of said base lifters underneath said
rig mast platform, said base lifters.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the preceding step of
wheeling said first section of said rig mast up a rig ramp.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein said first section of said rig
mast is wheeled up said rig ramp is accomplished in part by pulling
said first section of said rig mast using a winch system.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This disclosure relates to a system and method for erecting
a drilling rig.
[0002] Historically, the main methods for drilling were mechanized
with the invention of cable drilling. As technology evolved,
drilling developed into more sophisticated processes both onshore
and offshore with design features of improved mobility, flexibility
and increases in depth of operation.
[0003] While onshore drilling uses the ground as a platform, an
offshore environment requires an artificial drilling platform, due
to the depth of the ocean floor. At times, it is necessary to move
a rig from one location to another. In the past, larger land rigs
have been designed to be divided into sections and loads to move to
a new place or location. However, these processes are expensive,
time consuming, as they often takes weeks to finish.
[0004] With the current trend of innovation in this industry, there
have been improvements in the drilling process, such as
cost-effective technology, upgraded machine performance and rig
mobility. Nevertheless, the following issues remain to be unsolved:
expensive machines, such as onsite cranes, difficult assembly, and
costs due to down time.
[0005] Hence, it would be useful to have an improved system and
method for erecting a drilling rig.
SUMMARY
[0006] A system and method for erecting a drilling rig is disclosed
herein. A system for erecting a drilling rig can comprise a
substructure comprising a base platform. Additionally, the rig can
comprise a modular rig mast comprising a plurality of sections, the
plurality of sections comprising a first section, and the rig mast
mountable to the substructure. Lastly, the rig can comprise a first
one or more lifting means, the one or more lifting means each
having a first end connected to the rig mast and a second end
connected to the structure, the lifting means capable of lifting
the rig mast from a horizontal position to a vertical position.
[0007] In addition, a method for erecting a drilling rig is
disclosed. A method for erecting a drilling rig can comprise
connecting a first section of a rig mast to a substructure using a
first locking mechanism, the rig mast in a substantially horizontal
position. Additionally, the method can comprise connecting a second
section of said rig mast to a first section of the rig mast using a
second locking mechanism, to form at least a portion of the rig
mast. Additionally, the method can comprise raising the assembled
rig mast from the substantially horizontal position to a
substantially vertical position, using a lifting means.
[0008] loading a mast platform onto a substructure, connecting a
first section a of rig mast onto a substructure by a first locking
mechanism, and assembling a plurality of sections of rig mast by a
second locking mechanism to form an assembled rig mast. The method
further comprises attaching a mast-raising cylinder to a section of
a rig mast and raising the assembled rig mast by mast-raising
cylinders onto the substructure. Furthermore, the method can
comprise a rig mast attaching onto the substructure at the rig mast
platform by rig mast legs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a drilling rig.
[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates a rig mast.
[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates a modular rig mast.
[0012] FIG. 3A illustrates a substructure with a rig ramp and a
truck ramp.
[0013] FIG. 3B illustrates A-frames comprising a winch system.
[0014] FIG. 3C illustrates a mast platform sliding into a platform
slot.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates mast platform slid into platform
slot.
[0016] FIG. 5A illustrates a rig ramp with a truck loading a first
rig mast section.
[0017] FIG. 5B illustrates a track system.
[0018] FIG. 5C illustrates a first rig mast section connecting to a
mast platform.
[0019] FIG. 5D illustrates a close up view of a rig mast section
fastened to top boxes.
[0020] FIG. 6A illustrates a truck with a second rig mast section
connecting to a first rig mast section.
[0021] FIG. 6B illustrates a close up view of a splice hook.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a truck loading and connecting a third
rig mast section of rig mast to a linked first rig mast section and
second rig mast section.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an assembled rig mast positioned
horizontally.
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates erecting of a rig mast.
[0025] FIG. 10A illustrates an installed rig mast.
[0026] FIG. 10B illustrates a mast platform elevating above a
substructure.
[0027] FIG. 10C illustrates a fully erected land rig.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Described herein is a system and method for erecting a
drilling rig. The following description is presented to enable any
person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed
and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed
below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of
an actual implementation are described in this specification. It
will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
implementation (as in any development project), design decisions
must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g.,
compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that
these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will
also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex
and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking
for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art
having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims
appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed
embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent
with the principles and features disclosed herein.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a drilling rig 100. Drilling rig 100 can
comprise a base platform 101. Drilling rig 100 can also comprise a
rig mast 102. Base platform 101 can support weight of rig mast 102.
Additionally, drilling rig 100 can comprise a substructure 103
beneath base platform 101. Base lifters 104 can support base
platform 101 and rig mast 102.
[0030] FIG. 2A illustrates a rig mast 102. Rig mast 102 can house
drilling equipment involved in drilling a well. Rig mast 102 can
attach to substructure 103 to accommodate well for drilling through
surface of ground. Rig mast 102 can comprise a mast platform 200 at
its bottom surface.
[0031] FIG. 2B illustrates a modular rig mast 102. Rig mast 102 can
comprise a plurality of sections. In one embodiment, rig mast 102
can comprise three sections: a first rig mast section 102a, a
second rig mast section 102b, and a third rig mast section
102c.
[0032] Each section of rig mast 102 can be attachable together
during installation onto substructure 103, which will be described
further below. Mast platform 200 can serve as the base of rig mast
102. Mast platform 200 can comprise top boxes 201. In one
embodiment, top boxes 201 can comprise a plurality of protruding
pillars that can extend from the top surface of mast platform 200.
In one embodiment, first rig mast section 102a can connect to mast
platform 200 at top boxes 201. In one embodiment, top boxes 201 can
comprise four protruding pillars.
[0033] Mast platform 200 can also comprise continuation ramp 202.
Continuation ramp 202 can comprise a plurality of beams extending
outward from a plurality of top boxes 201. Continuation ramp 202
can be angled or otherwise comprise a slope.
[0034] Mast platform 200 can be capable of supporting all sections
of rig mast 102. Each section of rig mast 102 can be attachable to
each other and assembled prior to installation, which will be
discussed further below. Once assembled, all sections of rig mast
102, as a whole, can be attachable to mast platform 200.
Furthermore, mast platform 200 can bridge rig mast 102 to
substructure 103, which will be further described below.
[0035] FIG. 3A illustrates a substructure with a rig ramp 302 and a
truck ramp 304. Substructure 103 can serve as a foundation for all
other necessary equipment for erecting, drilling, maintaining and
managing a well. One foundational structure at top surface of
substructure 103 can include base platform 101. Base platform 101
can comprise a plurality of beams, flooring and/or rails.
Additionally, base platform 101 can comprise a plurality of base
lifters 104 attached beneath its surface. In one embodiment, base
lifters 104 can be built into substructure 103. Base lifters 104
can comprise foldable legs, which can extend upwards by way of
hinges and/or elbow joints. In one embodiment, base lifters 104 can
comprise hydraulic lifting capabilities. Furthermore, base lifters
104 can lift and support base platform 101, which will be discussed
further below.
[0036] In addition, substructure 103 can also comprise base
cylinders 300 positioned near or at the site of base platform 101.
Base cylinders 300 can be capable of lifting base platform 101,
such as by hydraulic methods known in the art. Substructure 103 can
also comprise a winch 301. Winch 301 can comprise cable 307. In one
embodiment, winch 301 can act as a pulley for any installation of
additional components of drilling rig, which will be more
thoroughly discussed below. In one embodiment, winch 301 can have a
gear assembly and can be electric or hydraulic. In another
embodiment, winch 301 can work in conjunction with base cylinders
300 in the installation to be discussed further below. Furthermore,
additional drilling rig components, such as, but not limited to,
flooring, rails, an independent rotary drive, and/or engines for
drilling a well.
[0037] Substructure 103 can comprise a rig ramp 302 and a truck
ramp 304. Rig ramp 302 and truck ramp 304 can extend outward from
an end of substructure 103 adjacent to base platform 101. Rig ramp
302 can be parallel to and located above truck ramp 304. Rig ramp
302 can comprise, but is not limited to, a plurality of beams. Rig
ramp 302 can further comprise structure elevators 303 that are
capable of lifting and lowering the beams of rig ramp 302.
Additionally, structure elevators 303 can support additional weight
loaded upon rig ramp 302. In one embodiment, structure elevators
303 can comprise a plurality of load-bearing hydraulic cylinders.
Rig ramp 302 can comprise two beams, in one embodiment.
[0038] Truck ramp 304 can comprise an incline plane. Incline plane
of truck ramp 304 can comprise an angle that elevates as truck ramp
304 approaches substructure 103. Truck ramp 304 can be positioned
beneath and/or between structural beams and/or structure elevators
303 of rig ramp 302.
[0039] As a result of the modularity of rig mast 102 and mast
platform 200, each section and component can be installed onto
substructure 103 piecemeal. A truck 310 can comprise conventional
vehicles used by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Truck
310 can assist in moving rig mast 102 onto substructure 103. Truck
310 can be used as load bearing support during installation. Mast
platform 200 can be loaded onto truck 310 and hauled to
substructure 103. In one embodiment, beams of rig ramp 302 can be a
width wide enough to allow truck 310 to fit between. Truck ramp 304
can accommodate width of truck 310 used to load mast platform 200.
Mast platform 200 can be hauled onto rig ramp 101, as truck ramp
304 can allow the bed of truck 310 to angle upwards to accommodate
installation of rig mast 102. Mast platform 200 on truck 310 can
form the base of rig mast 102 to be installed onto substructure
103.
[0040] Truck 310 can aid in guiding sections of rig mast 102
together by moving forwards and backwards as needed. Truck 310 can
drive onto truck ramp 304 and rig ramp 302 to load mast platform
200. Mast platform 200 can comprise rig mast base 102a. Rig ramp
302 can hold, support and accommodate the transport of all modular
sections of rig mast 102 during installation, starting with the
mast platform 200. Rig ramp 302 can receive mast platform 200 from
truck 310. As truck 310 ascends up incline of truck ramp 304, mast
platform 200 can catch onto surface of rig ramp 302. Mast platform
200 can be angled downward with an incline by structure elevators
303. As truck 310 continues to back up, entire surface of mast
platform 200 can be gradually loaded off of bed of truck 310 and
onto rig ramp 302.
[0041] Structure elevators 303 elevating rig ramp 302 can be placed
underneath rig ramp 302 on opposite lengthwise sides of rig ramp
302. Structure elevators 303 can be positioned parallel to each
other and angled with slope of rig ramp 302. Base platform 101 can
receive any components transferred up rig ramp 302 and/or truck
ramp 304. Rig ramp 302 can be attached to base platform 101 by a
connecting device, such as, but not limited to, hinges, for
example. Furthermore, base platform 101 can comprise a platform
slot 305. Platform slot 305 can comprise a slot track 306. In one
embodiment, platform slot 305 can be shaped to complement the
structural base of mast platform 200. Slot track 306 can facilitate
attachment of mast platform 200 to platform slot 305, which will be
discussed further below.
[0042] FIG. 3B illustrates a first winch system comprising winches
301 mounted to winch support frames 308. Winch 301 can comprise
cables 307. Winch 301 can comprise a spool or crank which can pull
cables 307. Winch 301 can pull mast platform 200 by spooling cables
307. Structure elevators 303 can be used to support weight, angle
rig ramp 302 and/or truck ramp 304. Angle of rig ramp 302 and/or
truck ramp 304 can assist placement of mast platform 200 onto base
platform 101. As winch 301 pulls mast platform 200, mast platform
200 can be loaded onto surface of base platform 101.
[0043] Base platform 101 can comprise a flat surface capable of
supporting the entire rig mast 102. Piece by piece, starting with
mast platform 101, all parts of rig mast 102 can attach to base
platform 101. Base platform 101 can support weight of each piece of
rig mast 102 during installation.
[0044] One or more cables 307 can be attached to mast platform 200.
Cables 307 can comprise, but is not limited to, wire, metal, or
steel, which can sustain tension and support weight of rig mast
102. For the purposes of this disclosure, cables 307 can include,
wire, metal, rope, or chain. Cables 307 are can be attached to load
on truck 310. Cables 307 can be pulled by winch 301. In one
embodiment, winch 301 can also consist of brakes to control slack
and tension. In one another embodiment, cables 307 can be held by a
deadline anchor, which can sustain tension in cables 307, as
deadline anchor can be integrated into substructure 103. Base
cylinders 300 can aid in pulling sections of rig mast 102 onto base
platform 101.
[0045] FIG. 3C illustrates mast platform 200 sliding into platform
slot 305 of base platform 101.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates mast platform 200 slid into platform slot
305. As mast platform 200 is loaded onto base platform 101, the
mast platform 200 can be inserted into base platform slot 305. Base
platform 101 can have platform slot 305, which can fit mast
platform 200 onto substructure 103, as mentioned earlier. Platform
slot 305 can comprise an open space with a concave or recessed
inner border. Platform slot 305 can also comprise same dimensions
as base of mast platform 200, making mast platform 200 capable of
sliding into base platform slot 305.
[0047] FIG. 5A illustrates a rig ramp 302 with truck 310 loading
first rig mast section 102a. Rig ramp 302 can be connected to mast
platform 200 by continuation ramp 202. First rig mast section 102a
can be horizontally loaded onto the bed of truck 310 for
installation onto mast platform 200.
[0048] After mast platform 200 slides fully into platform slot 305
and mast platform 200 is installed onto base platform 101, rig ramp
302 can then be aligned with continuation ramp 202 of base platform
101 by elevation of structure elevators 303. Once aligned, rig ramp
302 can be winched into place with continuation ramp 202.
Continuation ramp 202 can continue the track of rig ramp 302 to top
boxes 201. In one embodiment, continuation ramp 202 can support
weight of first rig mast section 102a.
[0049] The legs 500 of first rig mast section 102a can be loaded
onto rig ramp 302. In one embodiment, legs 500 can comprise wheels
501. In one embodiment, first rig mast section 102a can be pulled
by connecting cables 307 until reaching the edge of the mast
platform 200. Rig ramp 302 can be adjusted in height and/or angle
by structure elevators 303. In one embodiment, cables 307 from
winch 301 can be elevated by base cylinders 300. Elevated height of
cables 307 can allow winch 301 to more effectively pull first rig
mast section 102a up the rig ramp 302 to the mast platform 200. In
one embodiment, winch 301 can pull multiple sections of rig mast
102. In another embodiment, wheels can be attached to first rig
mast section 102a to roll section of first rig mast section 102a up
rig ramp 302 and/or continuation ramp 202.
[0050] FIG. 5B illustrates a track system 502. In one embodiment,
wheels 501 of legs 500 can fit to track rails 503. Track system 502
can comprise track rails 502, onto which first rig mast section
102a can be fixed upon. In one embodiment, wheels 501, which can be
attached to legs 500 of first rig mast section 102a, can cover
track rails 503 and roll first rig mast section 102a across onto
rig platform 200. In one embodiment, track rails 503 can run along
length of rig ramp 302 and can continue along length of
continuation ramp 202.
[0051] FIG. 5C illustrates first rig mast section 102a connecting
to mast platform 200. As truck 310 travels up truck ramp 304, first
rig mast section 102a can also travel up rig ramp 302 and/ or
continuation ramp 202 and/or cables 307 As a result, continuation
ramp 202 can allow first rig mast section 102a to continue its path
from rig ramp 302 directly to top boxes 201 of mast platform 200.
Cables 307 can pull first rig mast section 102a onto top boxes 201.
In one embodiment, wheels 501 can be detachable.
[0052] FIG. 5D illustrates a close up view of first rig mast
section 102a fastened to top boxes 201. Once first rig mast section
102a reaches top boxes 201, first rig mast section 102a can
securely connect with mast platform 200. First rig mast section
102a can travel up track system 502 and lock onto top boxes 201.
Pin 504 can be inserted to fasten first rig mast section 102a onto
rig platform 200.
[0053] FIGS. 6A illustrates truck 310 attaching second rig mast
section 102b to first rig mast section 102a. Truck 310 can be
loaded with a second rig mast section 102b connecting to the first
rig mast section 102a. Furthermore, second rig mast section 102b
can comprise a plurality of mast-raising cylinders 601 attached at
cylinder bolts 602. Cylinder bolts 602, which can be connectors
affixed to edges of first rig mast section 102a. Cylinder bolts 602
can attach to mast-raising cylinders 601. Mast-raising cylinders
601 can be hydraulic. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can be movable and
attached to any desired point on rig mast 102.
[0054] A hinge 600 can form from first rig mast section 102a
attaches to top boxes 201 at pin 504. Hinge 600 can secure first
rig mast section 102a for adjustment to appropriate height for
installation to second rig mast section 102b. Mast-raising
cylinders 601 can elevate or lower section of rig mast 102a at
cylinder bolt 602. Also, mast-raising cylinders 601 can use hinge
600 as a pivot point to form the appropriate angle to connect first
rig mast section 102a with second rig mast section 102b.
Mast-raising cylinders 601 can extend to ground and/or base of
substructure 103 and push up off of it to lower and elevate
accordingly.
[0055] Similarly, base end of mast-raising cylinders 601 can be
placed onto any point on substructure 103 from which mast-raising
cylinders 601 can be placed against to buttress support. Once
support from surface is established, mast-raising cylinders 601 can
push off and bear heavy loads. In one embodiment, base of
mast-raising cylinders 601 can also push off of ground. As a
result, mast-raising cylinders 601 can then move weight of first
rig mast section 102a closer to mast platform 200.
[0056] First rig mast section 102a can have hinging mechanism, in
which base legs of first rig mast section 102a can securely attach
to top boxes 201. Furthermore, mast-raising cylinders 601 and/or
cables 307 can secure first rig mast section 102a in place at
horizontal position. Horizontal positioning of first rig mast
section 102a can allow for installation of rig mast 102 at a lower
height than a vertical assembly that can require ascending several
stories higher to assemble each additional section of rig mast
102.
[0057] FIG. 6B illustrates a close up view of a splice hook 603.
Splice hook 603 can be located between sections of rig mast 102. In
one embodiment, sections of rig mast 102 can comprise a splice hook
603 at connecting ends between each section. A splice hook 603 can
act as a locking mechanism, which can allow first rig mast section
102a to be securely connected and fastened to second rig mast
section 102b. Specifically, a splice hook 603 can comprise a
protruding hook 603a from one section of rig mast 102a, which can
catch onto bar 603b of second rig mast section 102b. When inserted
together, protruding hook 603a and bar 603b can form a joint, which
can lock and secure both sections of rig mast 102. In one
embodiment, splice hook 603 can be placed on upper end of first
section of rig mast 102a. In another embodiment, splice hook 603
can be on lower end of second section of rig mast 102b. As truck
310 reverses, protruding hook 603a on one end of section of rig
mast 102a can be pushed into and connected to second section of rig
mast 102b. Splice hook 603 allows flexible movement and adjustment
of both sections of rig mast 102a and 102b to lower and elevate
accordingly, while securely fastening both sections of rig mast 102
together.
[0058] On lower ends of first section rig mast 102a and second
section rig mast 102b, other types of connecting mechanisms can be
used to clasp both sections together, which can include, but are
not limited to, coupling, another splice hook, bolts or other means
of affixing, connecting and/or locking lower ends. Mast raising
cylinders 601 can elevate and lower first rig mast section 102a, as
attached splice hook 603 can correspondingly cause second rig mast
section 102b to elevate and lower as well. When both section first
rig mast section 102a and second rig mast section 102b are
elevated, the lower ends of each section of rig mast 102 can be
brought closer together, until they are connected or attached
together.
[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates truck 310 loading and connecting third
rig mast section 102c to linked first rig mast section 102a and
second rig mast section 102b. A crown block 700 and other
components can be connected to the edge of third rig mast section
102c to avoid adding at more dangerous vertical heights after rig
mast 102 is completely installed and erected. In one embodiment, a
traveling block dolly 701 can be added to inside of rig mast
102.
[0060] As truck 310 reverses, splice hook 603 can be used to attach
second rig mast section 102b to third rig mast section 102c. Mast
raising cylinders 601 can raise and lower first rig mast section
102a to help adjust angle and coordinate attachment of second rig
mast section 102b to third rig mast section 102c at splice hook
603. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can elevate, lower and/or secure
position of third rig mast section 102c. Once splice hook 603 is
connected to upper portions of second rig mast section 102b and
third rig mast section 102c, rig mast 102 can be positioned to
connect first rig mast section 102a together by various embodiments
of fastening devices. As a result, first rig mast section 102a,
second rig mast section 102b, and third rig mast section 102c can
be horizontally assembled together.
[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates an assembled rig mast 103 positioned
horizontally. Once all sections of rig mast 102 are connected and
securely fastened together, all sections of rig mast 102 can be
ready to be raised as an assembled rig mast 102. A lift 801 can be
connected at any desired location on rig mast 102. A standing pipe
800 can be used to hold the latter part of the hanging rig mast
102. Crown block 700 can be connected to the edge of the rig mast
102c. In a horizontal position, rig mast 102 can have a base end
802 and a crown end 803. Base end of rig mast 802 can attach
directly to mast platform 200. Crown end 803 is meant to serve as
the top of the rig mast 102 after installation. At base end 803,
rig mast 102 can be held firmly by connecting to top boxes 201 on
mast platform 200, in one embodiment. A rig mast 102 can be
fastened to mast platform 200 by various embodiments of connecting
devices. Additionally, mast-raising cylinders 601 can also be used
to support base of rig mast 102a.
[0062] A standing pipe 800 can hold rig mast 102 at crown end 803.
Standing pipe 800 can aid mast raising cylinder 601 in supporting
weight of and/or stabilizing rig mast 102, as standing pipe 800 can
prop up rig mast 102 into a horizontal position. Standing pipe 800
can be attached to third section of rig mast 102c. Fastening
devices can be used to attach standing pipe 800 to surface of rig
mast 102. In one embodiment, standing pipe 800 can retain a
permanent length or, in another embodiment, can be adjustable in
length with the ability to elevate and lower rig mast 102. The
standing pipe 800 can be used in conjunction with mast-raising
cylinders 601 and/or base cylinders 104 which can provide
additional load- bearing support for horizontally positioned rig
mast 102.
[0063] Once rig mast 102 is fully assembled, traveling block dolly
701, can be moved down to base end 802 of horizontal rig mast 102.
Mast-raising cylinders 601 can be moved from ground or base of
substructure 103 and locked into a structure elevator position 804
after standing pipe 800 secures rig mast 102. To achieve structure
elevator position 804, mast-raising cylinders 601 can be rotated
and elevated to use mast platform 200 and/or top of substructure
103 as a base from which to push. In one embodiment, mast-raising
cylinders 601 can be fastened to mast platform 200 and/or top of
substructure 103 by the use of appropriate adapting parts,
accessories or equipment used by a person having ordinary skill in
the art. Standing pipe 800 can act as a jack, which can secure rig
mast 102 at horizontal position. In one embodiment, the horizontal
position of assembled rig mast 102 held up by mast-raising
cylinders 601 can be referred to as a structure elevator position
804. Structure elevator position 804 can be sustained for as long
as necessary to add appropriate additions to rig mast 102 prior to
erecting rig mast 102.
[0064] FIG. 9 illustrates erecting of rig mast 102. After achieving
structure elevator position 804, mast-raising cylinders 601 can
utilize 360-degree rotation capabilities from base of rig mast 102
and/or top of substructure 103. As a result, mast-raising cylinders
601 can elevate rig mast 102 from horizontal position to a vertical
position. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can use attachment to upper
side of first section of rig mast 102a to lift entire rig mast 102.
In one embodiment, mast-raising cylinders 601 can use top of
substructure 103 as a pivot point to retract themselves upwards. As
a result, mast-raising cylinders 601 can gradually lift rig mast
102 to vertical position. The rig mast 102 can rotate counter
clockwise for roughly 90 degrees, in one embodiment.
[0065] In one embodiment, the standing pipe 800 can aid in pushing
up, securing, and/or steadying rig mast 102. In another embodiment,
mast-raising cylinders 601 can attach at a different point on rig
mast 102. Furthermore, cables 307 and/or additional mast-raising
cylinders 601 can be used to erect rig mast 102.
[0066] FIG. 10A illustrates an installed rig mast 102. Installed
rig mast 102 can be fully attached to mast platform 200. After
mast-raising cylinders 601 reach an upright position and pull rig
mast 102 until completely vertical, rig mast 102 is fully elevated.
Once rig mast 102 is fully elevated, it can be attached to
substructure 103 at top boxes 201. Particularly, a hook and pin
system can be utilized to fasten the upper base legs of rig mast
102a to top boxes 201 on mast platform 200. In various embodiments,
upper base legs of rig mast 102a can be connected to top boxes 201
by a variety of connecting devices and procedures, including, but
not limited to, bolting.
[0067] At erected rig stage of installation, additional rig parts,
such as stairs, houses, pumps, tanks can be attached and installed
to mast platform 200 and/or substructure 103 as appropriate at
erected rig position, prior to elevation of mast platform 200.
Aside from rig parts accommodating use of mast platform 200 in the
field, other rig parts necessary for drilling can be added as well.
Finally, erected rig mast 102 can be added to and/or further built
in accordance with standard procedures of the field and in
compliance with code or statute of particular jurisdiction.
[0068] FIG. 10B illustrates mast platform 200 elevating above
substructure 103. At substructure 103 beneath mast platform 200,
base lifters 104 can raise entire mast platform 200 and rig mast
102 by lifting at attachments on bottom surface of mast platform
200. Base lifters 104 can push rig mast 102 up from underneath mast
platform 200. Furthermore, mast-raising cylinders 601 can remain
attached to mast platform 200 to support rig mast 102 during
elevation.
[0069] FIG. 10C illustrates a fully erected land rig.
[0070] Various changes in the details of the illustrated
operational methods are possible without departing from the scope
of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the
activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one
or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the
specific operational environment the method is being implemented
in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended
to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each
other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in
the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the
invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the
appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which
such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms
"including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English
equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein."
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