U.S. patent application number 14/503591 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-02 for automated pipe slips.
The applicant listed for this patent is NABORS CORPORATE SERVICES. Invention is credited to Brian Ellis, Ashish Gupta, Larry Heighington, Chris Magnuson, Padira Reddy, Vladimir Scekic, Faisal Yousef.
Application Number | 20150090463 14/503591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52738961 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150090463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gupta; Ashish ; et
al. |
April 2, 2015 |
AUTOMATED PIPE SLIPS
Abstract
An automated pipe slips includes a pipe slips body having a
generally frustoconically tapered inner wall. A plurality of wedges
is positioned to slide along the tapered inner wall and may be
hydraulically driven. In some embodiments, the wedges alternate
between long and short wedges, such that only long wedges are used
to engage a tubular member having a small diameter, and both long
and short wedges are used to engage a tubular member having a large
diameter. In some embodiments, the automated pipe slips may include
a centralizer assembly. In some embodiments, the automated pipe
slips may include a wiper assembly.
Inventors: |
Gupta; Ashish; (Houston,
TX) ; Scekic; Vladimir; (New Westminster, CA)
; Reddy; Padira; (Richmond, TX) ; Ellis;
Brian; (Spring, TX) ; Yousef; Faisal;
(Houston, TX) ; Magnuson; Chris; (Houston, TX)
; Heighington; Larry; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NABORS CORPORATE SERVICES |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52738961 |
Appl. No.: |
14/503591 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61885386 |
Oct 1, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/382 ;
166/75.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 19/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/382 ;
166/75.14 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/10 20060101
E21B019/10; E21B 17/10 20060101 E21B017/10; E21B 17/00 20060101
E21B017/00; E21B 33/04 20060101 E21B033/04 |
Claims
1. An automated pipe slips for supporting a tubular member, the
automated pipe slips comprising: a slips body, the slips body being
generally annular and having a tapered inner surface; and a
plurality of wedges, the wedges being positioned to slide along the
tapered inner surface of the slips body, the wedges alternating
between short wedges and long wedges.
2. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, wherein the slips body is
separable into two or more slips subassemblies.
3. The automated pipe slips of claim 2, wherein the slips
subassemblies are coupled using one or more slips assembly
pins.
4. The automated pipe slips of claim 3, wherein adjacent slips
subassemblies are adapted to pivot relative to each other if one or
more slips assembly pins are removed.
5. The automated pipe slips of claim 2, wherein each slips
subassembly includes at least one wedge of the plurality of
wedges.
6. The automated pipe slips of claim 2, wherein each slips
subassembly includes one or more mating fingers, the mating fingers
adapted to interlock with the mating fingers of adjacent slips
subassemblies.
7. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, further comprising a cover
assembly positioned at a top of the automated pipe slips.
8. The automated pipe slips of claim 7, wherein the cover assembly
is adapted to pivotably open.
9. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, wherein the wedges are
moved along the tapered inner surface of the slips body by one of a
hydraulic piston, linear actuator, rack and pinion, or screw
drive.
10. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, wherein the wedges slide
along rails positioned on the tapered inner surface of the slips
body.
11. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, wherein the wedges further
comprise a primary wedge and a secondary wedge, the primary wedge
adapted to slide along the tapered inner surface of the slips body,
and the secondary wedge adapted to slide along a secondary angled
surface formed between the primary wedge and the secondary wedge
wherein the secondary angled surface is more vertical than the
tapered inner surface of the slips body.
12. The automated pipe slips of claim 11, wherein the wedges
further comprise a return spring adapted to motivate the secondary
wedge upward along the secondary angled surface.
13. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, wherein the wedges further
comprise one or more dies adapted to interface with an outer
surface of the tubular member.
14. The automated pipe slips of claim 13, wherein the dies are
retained in one or more die grooves formed in the wedges.
15. The automated pipe slips of claim 14, wherein the dies are
retained in the die grooves by a die retention plate.
16. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, wherein the wedges further
comprise a secondary locking feature.
17. The automated pipe slips of claim 16, wherein the secondary
locking feature comprises at least one of a ball-grip system,
hydraulic cylinder, accumulator, and mechanized cam.
18. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, wherein the long wedges
are selectively actuatable independent of the short wedges.
19. The automated pipe slips of claim 18, wherein the long wedges
are actuated for gripping a tubular member having diameter smaller
than a threshold diameter and both long and short wedges are
actuated for gripping a tubular member having a diameter larger
than a threshold diameter, the threshold diameter being the
smallest diameter of tubular member for which the actuation of both
long and short wedges does not cause adjacent wedges to contact
each other.
20. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, wherein the short wedges
are wider than the long wedges.
21. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, further comprising a
tubular centralizer, the tubular centralizer including multiple
centering arms positioned radially about the slips body, each
centering arm positioned to pivot about a pivot point and extend
inward so that a tubular member is centered within the pipe slips
body.
22. The automated pipe slips of claim 21, wherein each centering
arm is driven by one of a hydraulic motor, electric motor, or
hydraulic piston.
23. The automated pipe slips of claim 1, further comprising a pipe
wiper, the pipe wiper including multiple wiper arms positioned
radially about the slips body, each wiper arm adapted to pivot
about a pivot point and extend inward to contact a tubular member
so that any fluid or debris on an exterior surface of the tubular
member may be wiped off.
24. The automated pipe slips of claim 23, wherein each wiper arm is
driven by a pneumatic piston, hydraulic piston, or
electromechanical actuator.
25. The automated pipe slips of claim 23, wherein each wiper arm
comprises a wiper blade.
26. The automated pipe slips of claim 25, wherein the wiper blade
is pivotably coupled to the wiper arm.
27. The automated pipe slips of claim 25, wherein the wiper blade
comprises an inner blade and an outer blade, the inner blade being
generally more compliant than the outer blade such that the inner
blade more easily conforms to an outer profile of the tubular
member.
28. A method of supporting a tubular member, the method comprising:
providing an automated pipe slips, the automated pipe slips
comprising: a slips body, the slips body being generally annular
and having a tapered inner surface; a plurality of wedges, the
wedges being positioned to slide along the tapered inner surface of
the slips body, the wedges alternating between short wedges and
long wedges; suspending the tubular member within the automated
pipe slips with a draw works; determining whether the tubular
member has a diameter above or below a threshold diameter;
extending the long wedges or the short wedges and long wedges to
engage the tubular member; and lowering the tubular member.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein both the short wedges and long
wedges are extended for a tubular member having a diameter above
the threshold diameter, and only the long wedges are extended for a
tubular member having a diameter below the threshold diameter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a nonprovisional application which
claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 61/885,386,
filed Oct. 1, 2013.
TECHNICAL FIELD/FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to supporting tubular members
when detached from a draw works during, for example, pipe make up
and break out.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] In many stages of the drilling and completion of an oil and
gas well, tubular members are coupled end-to-end to form what is
known as a string. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term
"drill string" will be used to refer to any such string, including,
without limitation, drill strings, tool strings, casing strings,
and completion strings. Typically, tubular members are made up in
approximately 30-90 foot segments, and include threaded couplings
at each end. Commonly known as "box" and "pin" connections for the
female and male portions, respectively, the threaded connections
serve to both form a fluid seal between the tubular members and to
durably connect the adjacent tubulars.
[0004] When "making up" or "breaking out" a drill string, the
string below the drilling platform is disconnected from the draw
works of the drilling rig to, for example, bring in a new tubular
member to be added to the drill string or to remove the previously
disconnected segment from the drill floor area. During this period,
the drill string must be supported to prevent it from descending
into the well bore. For this purpose, a "slips" is used.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provides for an automated pipe slips
for supporting a tubular member. The automated pipe slips may
include a slips body. The slips body may be generally annular and
may have a tapered inner surface. The automated pipe slips may also
include a plurality of wedges. The wedges may be positioned to
slide along the tapered inner surface of the slips body. The wedges
may alternate between short wedges and long wedges.
[0006] The present disclosure also provides for a method of
supporting a tubular member. The method may include providing an
automated pipe slips. The automated pipe slips may include a slips
body. The slips body may be generally annular and may have a
tapered inner surface. The automated pipe slips may also include a
plurality of wedges. The wedges may be positioned to slide along
the tapered inner surface of the slips body. The wedges may
alternate between short wedges and long wedges. The method may also
include suspending the tubular member within the automated pipe
slips with a draw works; determining whether the tubular member has
a diameter above or below a threshold diameter; extending the long
wedges or the short wedges and long wedges to engage the tubular
member; lowering the tubular member.
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 depicts a partial cross section of an automated pipe
slips in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
installed in a rotary table.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an automated pipe slips
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3a depicts a perspective view of the automated pipe
slips of FIG. 2 partially disassembled.
[0011] FIG. 3b depicts a perspective view of the automated pipe
slips of FIG. 3a partially disassembled.
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the automated pipe slips of
FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a slips subassembly
consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the slips subassembly of FIG.
5.
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts a cross section view of the slips subassembly
of FIG. 6.
[0016] FIG. 8a depicts a cross section view of the automated pipe
slips of FIG. 2 gripping a large diameter tubular.
[0017] FIG. 8b depicts a top view of the automated pipe slips of
FIG. 2 gripping a large diameter tubular.
[0018] FIG. 9a depicts a cross section view of the automated pipe
slips of FIG. 2 gripping a small diameter tubular.
[0019] FIG. 9b depicts a top view of the automated pipe slips of
FIG. 2 gripping a small diameter tubular.
[0020] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective exploded view of a slips wedge
consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIGS. 11a and 11b depict a side view and a top view,
respectively, of the automated pipe slips of FIG. 2 partially
disassembled.
[0022] FIGS. 12a-c depict top views of the automated pipe slips of
FIG. 2 centralizing tubulars having different diameters.
[0023] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a wiper assembly
consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure partially
disassembled.
[0024] FIG. 14a depicts a top view of the wiper assembly of FIG. 13
in a retracted position.
[0025] FIGS. 14b, 14c depict top views of the wiper assembly of
FIG. 13 in contact with tubulars having different diameters.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] 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.
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a cross section view of automated pipe sips
100. Automated pipe slips 100 may, in some embodiments, be adapted
to be inserted into a drill floor of a drilling rig. In some
embodiments, automated pipe slips 100 may be installed into rotary
table 30 as depicted in FIG. 1. Automated pipe slips 100 may
include slips body 101. Slips body 101 may be a generally annular
member having a generally frustoconical inner surface 103 which
tapers inward toward the lower end of slips body 101. In some
embodiments, slips body 101 may be adapted to allow a plurality of
wedges 121 to slide thereupon as discussed below. In some
embodiments, automated pipe slips 100 may include top cover
assembly 105. Top cover assembly 105 may, for example and without
limitation, prevent debris from entering automated pipe slips 100
and prevent damage to the internal components thereof. In some
embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 5, top cover assembly 105 may be
pivotably opened. In some embodiments, top cover assembly 105 may
be extended by one or more hydraulic pistons 109.
[0028] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4, automatic pipe
slips 100 may include indexing tab 107. Indexing tab 107 may be
coupled to the lower side of automated pipe slips 100 and may be
positioned to interlock with a matching indexing slot (not shown)
in rotary table 30. Indexing tab 107 may, in some embodiments,
allow automated pipe slips 100 to engage with and be rotated by
rotary table 30.
[0029] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 2-4, slips body
101 may be formed from two or more slips subassemblies 111. In some
embodiments, slips subassemblies 111 may be coupled together by one
or more slips assembly pins 113a and 113b. In some embodiments, as
depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, slips subassemblies 111 may include one
or more mating fingers 115 adapted to couple adjacent slips
subassemblies 111 and, in some embodiments, receive slips assembly
pins 113. In some embodiments, each of slips subassemblies 111 may
be formed identically to the other slips subassemblies 111.
Although depicted throughout this disclosure as utilizing three
slips subassemblies 111, one having ordinary skill in the art with
the benefit of this disclosure will understand that any number of
slips subassemblies 111 may be utilized without deviating from the
scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the number of slips
subassemblies 111 may relate to, for example and without
limitation, the number of wedges 121 utilized with automated pipe
slips 100.
[0030] In some embodiments, at least one slips subassembly 111 may
be removed or partially removed from automated pipe slips 100, as
depicted in FIG. 3b. In some embodiments, by removing or partially
removing at least one slips subassembly 111, automated pipe slips
100 may be laterally removed from tubular member 10. In some
embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 3a and 3b, adjacent slips
subassemblies 111 may be coupled by inner slips assembly pins 113a
and outer slips assembly pins 113b. In some embodiments, by
removing one outer slips assembly pin 113b and two inner slips
assembly pins 113a from a slips subassembly 111, that slips
subassembly 111 may be pivotably movable relative to the rest of
automated pipe slips 100, as depicted in FIG. 3b. In some
embodiments, mating fingers 115 may be rounded to allow for this
pivoting.
[0031] As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, wedges 121 may be coupled to
frustoconical inner surface 103 such that they are moved radially
inward and outward as they are moved down or up relative to slips
body 101. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1, as some or
all of wedges 121 move downward, wedges 121 may, for example and
without limitation, radially grip the outer surface of tubular
member 10. In some embodiments, tubular member 10 may be part of a
tubular string such as, for example and without limitation, a drill
string, tool string, or casing string. In some embodiments, the
weight of tubular member 10 and any tubular string coupled thereto
may cause grip between wedges 121 to be increased as understood in
the art. Likewise, as they move upward along frustoconical inner
surface 103, wedges 121 may move radially outward, allowing tubular
member 10 to be released. In some embodiments, wedges 121 may
include one or more dies 127. Dies 127 may, in some embodiments,
allow for greater grip between wedges 121 and tubular member
10.
[0032] In some embodiments, when release of tubular member 10 is
desired, an upward motion of tubular member 10 by, for example, a
draw works may release downward pressure on wedges 121, thus
allowing them to be retracted with relatively little resistance,
thereby disengaging tubular member 10 from automated pipe slips
100.
[0033] In some embodiments, dies 127 may be replaceable. As
depicted in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, one or more dies 127 may
fit into one or more die slots 129 formed in wedges 121. For
example, dies 127 may be replaced due to wear or to change material
depending on the type and material of tubular member 10. In some
embodiments, dies 127 and die slots 129 may be generally partially
circular, allowing dies 127 to rotate within die slots 129. In some
embodiments, dies 127 may thus be able to rotate relative to wedges
121 to, for example and without limitation, align with the face of
tubular member 10. In some embodiments, dies 127 may be held in die
slots 129 by die retainer 128 coupled to wedge 121. In some
embodiments, die retainer 128 may be coupled to wedge 121 by, for
example and without limitation, dovetail 130 as understood in the
art.
[0034] In some embodiments, when gripping tubular member 10, wedges
121 may support the weight of tubular member 10, such as during a
make up or break out operation when tubular member 10 is not
otherwise supported. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 7,
wedges 121 may be moved up and down by one or more hydraulic
pistons 123. One having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit
of this disclosure will understand that wedges 121 may be actuated
utilizing any suitable assembly, including but not limited to a
hydraulic piston, linear actuator, rack and pinion, or screw drive.
In some embodiments, wedges 121 may be coupled to one or more wedge
rails 125. Wedge rails 125 may, for example and without limitation,
allow wedges 121 to remain in proper alignment with slips body
101.
[0035] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 7, wedge 121 may be
trapezoidal in cross section such that die 127 remains generally
vertical as wedge 121 traverses frustoconical inner surface 103. In
some embodiments, wedge 121 may be formed as a single unit. In some
embodiments, wedge 121 may include primary wedge 131 and secondary
wedge 133. In some embodiments, primary wedge 131 may meet
secondary wedge 133 at secondary angled surface 135. In some
embodiments, secondary angled surface 135 may be generally more
vertical than frustoconical inner surface 103 to, for example,
increase the reactive loading which occurs when the weight of
tubular member 10 pulls down on wedges 121. In some embodiments,
die 127 may be coupled to secondary wedge 133. In some embodiments,
as the weight of tubular member 10 is transferred to automated pipe
slips 100, secondary wedge 133 may move downward along secondary
angled surface 135, causing secondary wedge 133 to exert additional
gripping force against tubular member 10. In some embodiments,
secondary wedge 133 may be coupled to primary wedge 131 via return
spring 137. Return spring 137 may push secondary wedge 133 upward
when the weight of tubular member 10 is removed therefrom.
[0036] In other embodiments, a ball-grip system may be utilized as
a secondary locking feature in place of secondary wedge 133. A
ball-grip system includes a plurality of ball bearings positioned
within recesses in the face of wedges 121. The recesses contain the
ball bearings, while providing a ramped surface such that when a
downward load is applied to the ball bearings, the ball bearings
roll downward within the recess, applying additional pressure to
the gripped tubular member 10. In some embodiments, the secondary
locking feature may be a mechanized cam. In some embodiments, the
secondary locking feature may include a hydraulic cylinder which
may include an accumulator.
[0037] As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, each slips subassembly 111 may
include multiple wedges 121. In some embodiments, for example and
without limitation, each slips subassembly 111 may include two
wedges 121. Although discussed herein as having two wedges 121 in
each slips subassembly 111 and six wedges 121 overall, one having
ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will
understand that automated pipe slips 100 may include any number of
wedges 121 without deviating from the scope of this disclosure.
[0038] In some embodiments, automated pipe slips 100 may include
wedges 121 having different lengths. In some embodiments, as
understood by one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit
of this disclosure, a longer contact surface between wedges 121 and
tubular member 10 may decrease shear stress on tubular member 10
by, for example, distributing the forces applied thereto over a
larger area. However, a longer wedge 121 may not be able to
adequately grip a damaged tubular member 10. In some embodiments,
as depicted in FIG. 6, automated pipe slips 100 may include short
wedges 121a and long wedges 121b. In some embodiments, short wedges
121a and long wedges 121b may be selectively extended independently
of each other. In some embodiments, if a damaged tubular member 10
is to be gripped, automated pipe slips 100 may extend only short
wedges 121a.
[0039] Because wedges 121 may continuously extend generally inward,
automated pipe slips 100 may be utilized to grip a range of pipe
diameters. In some embodiments, different numbers of wedges 121 may
be utilized depending on the diameter of tubular member 10. For
example, in some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 8a, 8b, when a
relatively wide tubular member 10a (that is a tubular member having
a diameter larger than a threshold diameter) is to be gripped by
automated pipe slips 100, both short and long wedges 121a, 121b are
actuated. Short and long wedges 121a, 121b may be driven downward
and abut against the outer wall of relatively wide tubular member
10a, thus applying a force thereon to support the tubular string
attached thereto. Additionally, the weight of the tubular string
pulling down on relatively wide tubular member 10a gripped by
automated pipe slips 100 may pull short and long wedges 121a, 121b
further down slips body 101, increasing the force applied on
relatively wide tubular member 10a to increase the grip and thus
the support of the tubular string. In some embodiments, in order
to, for example, avoid uneven loading, short and long wedges 121a,
121b may be positioned such that their lower edges are parallel
when engaging relatively wide tubular member 10a.
[0040] When a relatively narrow tubular member 10b (that is a
tubular member having a diameter smaller than a threshold diameter)
is to be gripped by automated pipe slips 100, only long wedges 121b
are deployed as depicted in FIGS. 9a, 9b. Since relatively narrow
tubular member 10b has a smaller circumference than relatively wide
tubular member 10a, both short wedges 121a and long wedges 121b may
not be able to actuate at the same time without interfering with
each other before contacting relatively narrow tubular member 10b.
Additionally, long wedges 121b may allow for a larger contact
surface between automated pipe slips 100 and relatively narrow
tubular member 10b to, for example, distribute the forces applied
thereto over a larger area. Thus, damage to relatively narrow
tubular member 10b from the high normal and shear forces may, for
example, be reduced. By selectively actuating only long wedges 121b
or both long wedges 121b and short wedges 121a, automated pipe
slips 100 may be used for tubular members having a range of
diameters without modification. In some embodiments, multiple
configurations of wedges 121a, 121b may be available to be used in
automated pipe slips 100 to, for example and without limitation,
vary the range of diameters of tubular member which may be gripped.
For example, a radially shorter set of wedges 121a and 121b may
allow a larger diameter tubular overall to be grasped than a
radially shorter set of wedges 121a or 121b, while the radially
longer set of wedges 121a or 121b may allow a smaller diameter
tubular to be grasped than the radially shorter set of wedges 121a
or 121b. In some embodiments, short wedges 121a may be wider than
long wedges 121b to, for example, increase the contact area on
larger tubular members.
[0041] When a tubular member 10 is to be gripped by automated pipe
slips 100, tubular member 10 may be misaligned within automated
pipe slips 100. In order to center tubular member 10 to allow
wedges 121 to properly grip tubular member 10, automated pipe slips
100 may, in some embodiments, include tubular centralizer 141. As
depicted in FIGS. 11a-b, in some embodiments, tubular centralizer
141 may be positioned above slips body 101. In some embodiments,
tubular centralizer 141 may be included in cover assembly 105.
Tubular centralizer 141 may include a plurality of centering arms
143. Centering arms 143 may be adapted to pivot about pivot pins
145 as depicted in FIG. 11a. Centering arms 143 may, in some
embodiments, be driven by one or more hydraulic pistons 147. One
having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this
disclosure will understand that centering arms 143 may be extended
by any suitable device, including, but not limited to, a hydraulic
motor, electric motor, or hydraulic piston. Centering arms 143 may,
as depicted in FIG. 11b, be positioned such that each tubular
centering arm 143 is at a different height to, for example, prevent
tubular centering arms 143 from interfering when in operation.
[0042] In some embodiments, centering arms 143 may be generally
curved to, for example and without limitation, allow centering arms
143 to contact any tubular member 10 to be centered with a
generally concave surface, which may encourage the tubular member
10 to be centered within tubular centralizer 141. In some
embodiments, as centering arms 143 are extended, tubular member 10
may be contacted by one or more centering arms 143 and urged toward
the center of automated pipe slips 100. Once centered, tubular
member 10 may be retained in the center position by centering arms
143 until, in some embodiments, wedges 121 fully engage tubular
member 10. Because centering arms 143 may be extended continuously,
a range of diameter for tubular member 10 may be accommodated
utilizing the same tubular centralizer 141. For example, FIG. 12a
depicts tubular centralizer 141 centering small diameter tubular
member 11 within automated slips 100. FIG. 12b depicts tubular
centralizer 141 centering medium diameter tubular member 12 within
automated slips 100. FIG. 12c depicts tubular centralizer 141
centering large diameter tubular member 13.
[0043] As understood in the art, during a drilling operation, a
wellbore may be filled with drilling fluid. As a tubular member 10
is retracted from a wellbore, the outer surface thereof may be very
dirty. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1, automated pipe
slips 100 may include pipe wiper assembly 161. In some embodiments,
pipe wiper assembly 161 may be located at a position below slips
body 101. Pipe wiper assembly 161 may, in some embodiments, include
one or more wiper arms 163 as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14a-c. Wiper
arms 163 may, in some embodiments, pivot about wiper pivot pins
165. In some embodiments, wiper arms 163 may be driven by one or
more pneumatic cylinders 167. In some embodiments of the present
disclosure, by using a compressible fluid such as air to extend
wiper arms 163, pneumatic cylinders 167 may provide a selected
amount of compliance or "springiness" to wiper arms 163. One having
ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will
understand that wiper arms 163 may be extended utilizing, for
example and without limitation, hydraulic, pneumatic, or
electromechanical actuators without deviating from the scope of
this disclosure. The compliance of wiper arms 163 may allow, for
example and without limitation, for wiper arms 163 to remain in
contact with a tubular string as it moves therethrough despite any
changes in diameter or protuberances such as, for example and
without limitation, tool joints as understood in the art.
[0044] In some embodiments, wiper arms 163 may include one or more
wiper blades 169. Wiper blades 169 may be pivotably coupled to
wiper arms 163. In some embodiments, wiper blades 169 may be at
least partially formed from a generally flexible material adapted
to remain in contact with a tubular string as it moves through
wiper assembly 161 despite any changes in diameter or protuberances
such as, for example and without limitation, tool joints as
understood in the art.
[0045] In some embodiments, wiper blades 169 may include inner
blade portions 171 and outer blade portions 173. In some
embodiments, inner blade portions 171 may be formed from a more
flexible material than outer blade portions 173. Inner blade
portions 171 may thus be adapted to flex and conform to the outer
surface of a tubular member 10, while outer blade portions 173
support inner blade portions 171 and couple them to wiper arms 163.
Additionally, inner blade portions 171 may allow wiper blades 169
to conform to the outer surface of a range of diameters of tubular
member. For example, FIG. 14b depicts wiper blades 169 in contact
with small diameter tubular member 11. In this case, only a center
portion of inner blade portions 171 are deflected and in contact
with small diameter tubular member 11. As another example, FIG. 14c
depicts wiper blades 169 in contact with large diameter tubular
member 13. In this case, nearly the entire length of inner blade
portions 171 are in contact with large diameter tubular member
13.
[0046] In some embodiments, wiper arms 163 may be extended during
an entire trip out operation to, for example and without
limitation, prevent fluid from the wellbore from entering automated
pipe slips 100.
[0047] In some embodiments, automated pipe slips 100 may include a
control system. The control system may be positioned to control,
monitor, and sense the operation of automated pipe slips 100.
Although described throughout as operating utilizing hydraulic
pressure, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of
this disclosure will understand that automated pipe slips 100 may
be controlled utilizing electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic
actuators, or a combination thereof.
[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.
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