U.S. patent application number 14/801330 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for drill pipe connector and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Expert E&P Consultants, LLC, Gary Allen Snyder, II. Invention is credited to Kenneth Dupal, Gary Allen Snyder, II.
Application Number | 20150323109 14/801330 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48570934 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150323109 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dupal; Kenneth ; et
al. |
November 12, 2015 |
Drill Pipe Connector and Method
Abstract
A drill pipe connector assembly capable of connecting drill pipe
segments without rotation. The assembly includes the pin end of a
first drill pipe stabbed within the connector end of a second drill
pipe. A connector nut is threadedly connected or snap locked to the
connector end of the second drill pipe. The connector nut includes
a retaining shoulder cooperating with a beveled shoulder on the pin
end of the first drill pipe to retain the first drill pipe. The
assembly includes seals to provide pressure integrity and prevent
leaking. Cooperating rotational torque transfer profiles in the
first and second drill pipes enable operational rotation of the
drill string.
Inventors: |
Dupal; Kenneth; (Mandeville,
LA) ; Snyder, II; Gary Allen; (Covington,
LA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Snyder, II; Gary Allen
Expert E&P Consultants, LLC |
Madisonville |
LA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48570934 |
Appl. No.: |
14/801330 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13763842 |
Feb 11, 2013 |
9127517 |
|
|
14801330 |
|
|
|
|
12645867 |
Dec 23, 2009 |
|
|
|
13763842 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 19/16 20130101;
E21B 17/043 20130101; E21B 17/046 20130101; F16L 21/035 20130101;
F16L 19/005 20130101; F16L 2201/40 20130101; F16L 21/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 19/00 20060101
F16L019/00; E21B 19/16 20060101 E21B019/16; F16L 21/035 20060101
F16L021/035; E21B 17/043 20060101 E21B017/043; E21B 17/046 20060101
E21B017/046 |
Claims
1. A drill pipe connector assembly, comprising: a first drill pipe
segment including an outer surface, an inner surface, and a recess
in said outer surface, said inner surface forming a first bore,
said first drill pipe segment having a pin end with a first
rotational torque transfer profile; a second drill pipe segment
including an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface
forming a second bore, said second drill pipe segment having a
connector end adapted to receive said pin end of said first drill
pipe segment within said second bore, wherein said inner surface of
said connector end includes a second rotational torque transfer
profile dimensioned to engage said first rotational torque transfer
profile to transfer torque from said first drill pipe segment to
said second drill pipe segment; a connector nut interconnecting
said first drill pipe segment with said second drill pipe segment
to achieve fluid communication between said first bore and said
second bore, said connector nut including an outer surface, an
inner surface, an upper section, a lower section, and a thru hole
in said upper section, said lower section of said connector nut
detachably affixed to said connector end of said second drill pipe
segment, said upper section of said connector nut operatively
retaining said pin end of said first drill pipe segment; and a
holding device detachably positioned in said thru hole and said
recess to maintain said connector nut in a fixed position relative
to said first drill pipe segment.
2. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said inner surface of said lower section of said connector nut
includes a first set of threads and said outer surface of said
connector end of said second drill pipe segment includes a second
set of threads, said lower section of said connector nut threadedly
affixed to said connector end of said second drill pipe segment via
mating engagement of said first set of threads with said second set
of threads.
3. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein
said first and second set of threads are each wicker-type
threads.
4. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein
said first and second set of threads are each breech lock-type
threads, wherein the starting points of said breech lock-type
threads of said first and second set of threads are staggered.
5. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein
said inner surface of said upper section of said connector nut
includes a retaining shoulder and said outer surface of said pin
end of said first drill pipe segment includes a beveled shoulder,
said retaining shoulder cooperatively engaging said beveled
shoulder to operatively retain said pin end of said first drill
pipe segment.
6. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein
said outer surface of said pin end of said first drill pipe segment
includes one or more seal means forming a pressure seal between
said outer surface of said pin end of said first drill pipe segment
and said inner surface of said connector end of said second drill
pipe segment.
7. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said pin end of said first drill pipe segment includes a distal
end, said distal end containing said first rotational torque
transfer profile.
8. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein
said first rotational torque transfer profile comprises a first
wave-shaped surface and said second rotational torque transfer
profile comprises a second wave-shaped surface dimensioned to
operatively engage said first wave-shaped surface to transfer
torque from said first drill pipe segment to said second drill pipe
segment.
9. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein
said first rotational torque transfer profile comprises a first
castle-shaped surface and said second rotational torque transfer
profile comprises a second castle-shaped surface dimensioned to
operatively engage said first castle-shaped surface to transfer
torque from said first drill pipe segment to said second drill pipe
segment.
10. A drill pipe connector assembly, comprising: a first drill pipe
segment including an outer surface, an inner surface, and a recess
in said outer surface, said inner surface forming a first bore,
said first drill pipe segment having a pin end; a second drill pipe
segment including an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner
surface forming a second bore, said second drill pipe segment
having a connector end adapted to receive said pin end of said
first drill pipe segment within said second bore; a connector nut
interconnecting said first drill pipe segment with said second
drill pipe segment to achieve fluid communication between said
first bore and said second bore, said connector nut including an
outer surface, an inner surface, an upper section, a lower section,
and a thru hole in said upper section, said lower section of said
connector nut detachably affixed to said connector end of said
second drill pipe segment, said upper section of said connector nut
operatively retaining said pin end of said first drill pipe
segment; and an anti-rotation assembly positioned in said thru hole
of said connector nut, said anti-rotation assembly comprising a
stopper that is selectively movable from a neutral position within
said thru hole to an engaged position in which said stopper engages
said recess of said first drill pipe segment to maintain said
connector nut in a fixed position relative to said first drill pipe
segment.
11. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 10,
wherein said inner surface of said lower section of said connector
nut includes a first set of threads and said outer surface of said
connector end of said second drill pipe segment includes a second
set of threads, said lower section of said connector nut threadedly
affixed to said connector end of said second drill pipe segment via
mating engagement of said first set of threads with said second set
of threads.
12. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 11,
wherein said first and second set of threads are each wicker-type
threads.
13. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 11,
wherein said first and second set of threads are each breech
lock-type threads, wherein the starting points of said breech
lock-type threads of said first and second set of threads are
staggered.
14. The drill pipe connector assembly according to claim 10,
wherein said pin end of said first drill pipe segment includes a
first rotational torque transfer profile and said inner surface of
said connector end of said second drill pipe segment includes a
second rotational torque transfer profile, said first and second
rotational torque transfer profiles operatively engaging to
transfer rotational torque from said first drill pipe segment to
said second drill pipe segment via said interconnection provided by
said connector nut.
15. A method of making up drill pipe, comprising the steps of: a)
providing a drill pipe connector assembly, comprising: a first
drill pipe segment including an outer surface, an inner surface,
and a recess in said outer surface, said inner surface forming a
first bore, said first drill pipe segment having a pin end with a
first rotational torque transfer profile; a second drill pipe
segment including an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner
surface forming a second bore, said second drill pipe segment
having a connector end adapted to receive said pin end of said
first drill pipe segment within said second bore, wherein said
inner surface of said connector end includes a second rotational
torque transfer profile dimensioned to engage said first rotational
torque transfer profile; a connector nut capable of interconnecting
said first drill pipe segment with said second drill pipe segment
to achieve fluid communication between said first bore and said
second bore, said connector nut including an outer surface, an
inner surface, an upper section, a lower section, and a thru hole
in said upper section, said lower section of said connector nut
capable of being detachably affixed to said connector end of said
second drill pipe, said upper section of said connector nut capable
of operatively retaining said pin end of said first drill pipe
segment; a holding device dimensioned to fit in said thru hole and
said recess; and a plurality of seals capable of forming a pressure
seal within said assembly; b) stabbing said pin end of said first
drill pipe segment into said connector end of said second drill
pipe segment so that said first bore and said second bore are
placed in fluid communication and said first rotational torque
transfer profile operatively engages said second rotational torque
transfer profile in order to transfer rotational torque from said
first drill pipe segment to said second drill pipe segment; c)
detachably affixing said lower section of said connector nut to
said connector end of said second drill pipe segment; d) causing
said plurality of seals to operatively seal said assembly to
prevent leaking of a pressurized fluid flowing through said first
and second bores; and e) positioning said holding device in said
thru hole of said connector nut and said recess of said first drill
pipe segment to maintain said connector nut in a fixed position
relative to said first drill pipe segment.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said inner surface of
said lower section of said connector nut includes a first set of
threads and said outer surface of said connector end of said second
drill pipe segment includes a second set of threads, and wherein in
step (c) said lower section of said connector nut is threadedly
affixed to said connector end of said second drill pipe segment via
mating engagement of said first set of threads with said second set
of threads.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said first and second
set of threads are each breech lock-type threads which are placed
in mating engagement in step (c) by rotating said connector nut by
a 1/2 turn, wherein the starting points of said breech lock-type
threads of said first and second set of threads are staggered.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein said inner surface of
said lower section of said connector nut includes a first set of
wicker-type threads and said outer surface of said connector end of
said second drill pipe segment includes a second set of wicker-type
threads, and wherein in step (c) said lower section of said
connector nut is snap locked to said connector end of said second
drill pipe segment via mating engagement of said first set of
wicker-type threads with said second set of wicker-type
threads.
19. The method according to claim 15, wherein said inner surface of
said upper section of said connector nut includes a retaining
shoulder and said outer surface of said pin end of said first drill
pipe segment includes a beveled shoulder, and wherein in step (e)
said retaining shoulder is positioned to cooperatively engage with
said beveled shoulder to operatively retain said pin end of said
first drill pipe segment.
20. The method according to claim 15, wherein said seal means
include a plurality of pressure seals positioned on said outer
surface of said pin end of said first drill pipe segment, and
wherein in step (d) said plurality of seals form a pressure seal
between said outer surface of said pin end of said first drill pipe
segment and said inner surface of said connector end of said second
drill pipe segment.
21. The method according to claim 15, wherein said holding device
comprises an anti-rotation assembly having a stopper, and wherein
step (e) comprises activating said anti-rotation assembly such that
said stopper moves from a neutral position in which said stopper is
disposed within said thru hole to an engaged position in which said
stopper engages said recess of said first drill pipe segment to
maintain said connector nut in a fixed position relative to said
first drill pipe segment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/763,842, filed on Feb. 11, 2013, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/645,867, filed on Dec. 23, 2009, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a drill pipe connector and
method and more particularly to a drill pipe connector and method
that connects without rotation of the drill pipe and without
requiring high make-up torque.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the exploration and production of oil and gas, drill pipe
or a column of drill pipe (e.g., a drill pipe string) may be
employed for a variety of purposes. On a drilling rig, the drill
string is made up on the rig's platform. The drill string is run
downhole and into the well bore. The drill string transmits
drilling fluid (via mud pumps) and rotational power (via a Kelly or
top drive) to the drill bit, which is part of a bottom hole
assembly positioned at the end of the drill string. The drilling
fluid is pumped down through the internal bore in the drill string,
exits at or near the drill bit, and circulates back up the well
annulus (void between the drill string and the well bore). The
drill pipe string may also run casing, a liner, or a landing string
downhole. The drill pipe string may also be used to work-over a
hydrocarbon well. Drill strings can reach a length of 30,000 feet
for a vertically drilled well and 35,000 feet for a deviated or
horizontal drilled well.
[0004] The drill string includes a column of individual joints or
segments of drill pipe threadedly connected together by threaded
ends. A joint or segment of drill pipe may vary in length.
Typically, the length of a drill pipe joint ranges from 30 feet to
33 feet. A joint or segment of drill pipe has a box member secured
at one end and a pin member secured at the other end. The box
member is internally threaded and adapted to receive the pin member
of another drill pipe joint, which has external threads. Mating
joints of drill pipe are interconnected via the threads to make up
the drill string. The joints of drill pipe must be securely made up
to prevent leakage, wobbling, or unscrewing. Typically, power tongs
are used to transmit sufficient rotational torque to the pipe
joints to ensure that the pin end is tightly threaded in the box
end; this is called make-up torque. The amount of torque required
depends in part on the specific frictional properties of the
threaded connections. A higher friction coefficient means increased
torque transmitting ability thereby lessening instances of tool
joints unscrewing and having to be made up downhole. A lower
friction coefficient with less torque transmitting ability may
cause too much torque to be applied when making up the joints.
Excessive torque could stretch or burst the box member or crack or
break the pin member. This is undesired as drill pipe is
expensive.
[0005] Pipe "dope" may be applied to the threaded connections of
the joints to maintain a high coefficient of friction. The dope
permits easier breaking down of the tool joints and helps prevent
excessive make up. Despite the application of pipe dope, excessive
make up and joint damage remains a problem. Moreover, the use of
power tongs to make up pipe increases operational costs as
additional equipment and personnel are required. The need exists
for equipment and methods to connect drill pipe joints without
rotating the drill pipe into itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a drill
pipe connector and method that does not require rotation to make up
the drill pipe.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
drill pipe connector and method that eliminates the need for power
tongs.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
drill pipe connector and method that imparts tensile strengths.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
drill pipe connector and method that achieves pressure
integrity.
[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a drill
pipe connector and method that is capable of transferring
rotational torque.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages are achieved by the
novel drill pipe connector assembly described herein, which may
include a first drill pipe segment. The first drill pipe segment
may include an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner
surface may form a first bore. The first drill pipe segment may
have a pin end. The assembly may also include a second drill pipe
segment having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner
surface may form a second bore. The second drill pipe segment may
have a connector end, which is adapted to receive the pin end of
the first drill pipe segment within the second bore. The assembly
may also include a connector nut interconnecting the first drill
pipe segment with the second drill pipe segment. Such
interconnection achieves fluid communication between the first bore
and the second bore. The connector nut may also include an outer
surface, an inner surface, an upper section, and a lower section.
The lower section of the connector nut may be detachably affixed to
the connector end of the second drill pipe segment. The upper
section of the connector nut may operatively retain the pin end of
the first drill pipe segment.
[0012] The inner surface of the lower section of the connector nut
may include a first set of threads. The outer surface of the
connector end of the second drill pipe segment may include a second
set of threads. The lower section of the connector nut may be
threadedly affixed to the connector end of the second drill pipe
segment via mating engagement of the first set of threads with the
second set of threads. In one embodiment, the first and second set
of threads may each be wicker-type threads. In another embodiment,
the first and second set of threads may each be breech lock-type
threads.
[0013] The inner surface of the upper section of the connector nut
may include a retaining shoulder. The outer surface of the pin end
of the first drill pipe segment may include a beveled shoulder. The
retaining shoulder may cooperatively engage the beveled shoulder to
operatively retain the pin end of the first drill pipe segment.
[0014] In another embodiment, the drill pipe connector assembly may
include seal means. For example, the outer surface of the pin end
of the first drill pipe segment may include one or more seal means
forming a pressure seal between the outer surface of the pin end of
the first drill pipe segment and the inner surface of the connector
end of the second drill pipe segment.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the pin end of the first drill pipe
segment may include a first rotational torque transfer profile. The
inner surface of the connector end of the second drill pipe segment
may include a second rotational torque transfer profile. The first
and second rotational torque transfer profiles may operatively
engage each other to transfer torque from the first drill pipe
segment to the second drill pipe segment via the interconnection
provided by the connector nut. In another embodiment, the pin end
of the first drill pipe segment includes a distal end. The distal
end may contain the first rotational torque transfer profile. In a
further embodiment, the first rotational torque profile may include
a first lateral surface and a tapered surface. The second
rotational torque profile may include a second lateral surface and
a second tapered surface. The first and second lateral surfaces and
the first and second tapered surfaces may cooperatively engage each
other to transfer the rotational torque through the drill string as
a result of drilling or other operations.
[0016] The present invention is also directed to a method of making
up drill pipe. The method may comprise providing a drill pipe
connector assembly as previously described herein. The method may
further include the step of stabbing the pin end of the first drill
pipe segment into the connector end of the second drill pipe
segment so that the first bore and the second bore are placed in
fluid communication. The method may further include the step of
detachably affixing the lower section of the connector nut to the
connector end of the second drill pipe segment. The method may
further include the step of causing the upper section of the
connector nut to operatively retain the pin end of the first drill
pipe segment. The method may further include the step of causing
the seal means or plurality of seals to operatively seal the
assembly to prevent leaking of a pressurized fluid flowing through
the first and second bores.
[0017] In a further embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the step of detachably affixing the lower section of the
connector nut to the connector end of the second drill pipe segment
may be accomplished by threadedly affixing the lower section of the
connector nut to the connector nut end of the second drill pipe
segment via mating engagement of the first set of threads with the
second set of threads. Alternatively, the detachably affixing step
may be accomplished by snap locking the lower section of the
connector nut to the connector end of the second drill pipe segment
via mating engagement of the first set of wicker-type threads with
the second set of wicker-type threads. Alternatively, the
detachably affixing step may be accomplished by rotating the lower
section of the connector nut to the connector end of the second
drill pipe segment via mating engagement of the first set of breech
lock-type threads with the second set of breech lock-type threads
via 1/2 turn of the connector nut.
[0018] In a further embodiment, the step of causing the upper
section of the connector nut to operatively retain the pin end of
the first drill pipe segment may be accomplished by positioning the
retaining shoulder of the connector nut in cooperative engagement
with the beveled shoulder of the first drill pipe segment to
operatively retain the pin end of the first drill pipe segment.
[0019] In yet a further embodiment, the step of causing the seal
means to operatively seal the assembly to prevent leaking of the
pressurized fluid flowing through the first and second bores may be
accomplished by causing the plurality of seals to form a pressure
seal between the outer surface of the pin end of the first drill
pipe segment and the inner surface of the connector end of the
second drill pipe segment.
[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the method may include the
step of causing the first and second rotational torque transfer
profiles to operatively engage in order to transfer rotational
torque from the first drill pipe segment to the second drill pipe
segment via the interconnection provided by the connector nut.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the holding
device of the connector assembly of the present invention shown as
a set screw.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the holding
device of the connector assembly of the present invention shown as
a snap latch.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the connector assembly of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded, partial cut-away, perspective view of
a further alternative embodiment of the connector assembly of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a platform with a drill string
composed of a plurality of connector assemblies of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is an exploded, partial cut-away, perspective view of
an alternative embodiment of the connector assembly having
wave-shaped surfaces.
[0029] FIG. 9 is an exploded, partial cut-away, perspective view of
an alternative embodiment of the connector assembly having
castle-shaped surfaces.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the holding
device of the connector assembly shown as an anti-rotation assembly
in a neutral position.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative
embodiment of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 10 with the
anti-rotation assembly.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the holding
device of the connector assembly shown as an anti-rotation assembly
in an engaged position.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative
embodiment of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 12 with the
anti-rotation assembly.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a tool for the anti-rotation
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] With reference to the figures where like elements have been
given like numerical designation to facilitate an understanding of
the present invention, and in particular with reference to the
embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1,
connector assembly 10 may include first drill pipe 12, second drill
pipe 14 and connector nut 16.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows that first drill pipe 12 may include pin end
18. Pin end 18 may include outer surface 20 and inner surface 22.
Outer surface 20 of pin end 18 may include beveled shoulder 24.
Shoulder 24 may include retaining face 26, holding face 28, and
stop face 30. Shoulder 24 may also include one or more recesses 32
in holding face 28 for receiving a holding device 34 (not shown).
Lower section 36 of pin end 18 may have one or more seals 38
positioned in outer surface 20. Seals 38 may be pressure seals
formed of rubber, urethane, steel, plastic or other material
capable of forming a seal that is leak resistant. Lower section 36
may include distal end 40. Distal end 40 may have torque transfer
profile 42. Profile 42 may include lateral surface 96 and tapered
surface 98.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 2, second drill pipe 14 may have
connector end 44. Connector end 44 may have outer surface 46 and
inner surface 48. Outer surface 46 may contain shoulder 50.
Connector end 44 may also include upper section 52. Outer surface
of upper section 52 may include connector nut means 54. Connector
nut means 54 may be any device capable of detachably affixing
connector nut 16 to upper section 52 of connector end 44 of second
drill pipe 14. Connector nut means 54 may be threads 56. Upper
section 52 may include support surface 57. Inner surface 48 of
connector end 44 may have torque transfer profile 58. Profile 58
may include lateral surface 100 and tapered surface 102.
[0038] Again with reference to FIG. 2, connector nut 16 may be a
tubular device having outer surface 60 and inner surface 62.
Connector nut 16 may also include upper section 64 and lower
section 66. Lower section 66 may include distal surface 67. Inner
surface 62 of upper section 64 may have shoulder 68. Inner surface
of lower section 66 may contain connector end means 70. Connector
end means 70 may be any device capable of cooperating with
connector nut means 54 to detachably affix connector nut 16 to
upper section 52 of connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14.
Connector end means 70 may be threads 72 that cooperatively engage
and disengage from threads 56. Threads 72 may also threadedly
engage and disengage from threads 56. Connector nut 16 may contain
one or more thru holes 74. Each hole 74 may house or contain
holding device 34 (not shown). Each hole 74 may align with recess
in holding face 28 of pin end 18 of first drill pipe 12. Holding
device 34 (not shown) may be positioned within aligned hole 74 and
recess 32.
[0039] To make up or connect first drill pipe 12 to second drill
pipe 14, connector nut 16 is positioned over first drill pipe 12.
Pin end 18 of first drill pipe 12 is stung into connector end 44 of
second drill pipe 14. As understood by one skilled in the art, this
may be accomplished by positioning second drill pipe 14 in a slip,
lifting first drill pipe 12 above second drill pipe 14, and then
lowering pin end 18 of first drill pipe 12 into connector end 44 of
second drill pipe 14. Stop face 30 of beveled shoulder 24 acts as a
stop for pin end 18 by contacting support surface 57 of upper
section 52 of second drill pipe 14. Connector nut 16 is secured to
upper section 52 of second drill pipe 14 by rotating connector nut
16 so that connector nut 16 is threadedly connected to upper
section 52 via threaded engagement of threads 54 and threads 70.
Shoulder 50 of connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14 acts as a
stop for connector nut 16 by contacting lower section of connector
nut 16 at distal surface 67. The detachable affixation of connector
nut 16 to second drill pipe 14 compresses first drill pipe 12 and
second drill pipe 14 together into operative connection. First
drill pipe 12 is operatively connected to second drill pipe 14 via
connector nut 16. Shoulder 68 of connector nut 16 cooperates with
or engages beveled shoulder 24 of first drill pipe 12, and in
particular, retaining face 26 of beveled shoulder 24, to hold or
maintain first drill pipe 12 in position and operatively connected
to second drill pipe 14. The operative engagement of threads 54 and
threads 70 permits the tension load to be transferred to beveled
shoulder 24 of first drill pipe 12. The operative connection of
first and second drill pipes 12, 14 forms bore 75 through which
pressurized fluid (e.g., drilling mud) may be pumped. Seals 38 form
a seal between outer surface 20 of first drill pipe 12 and inner
surface 48 of second drill pipe 14 to maintain pressure within
first and second drill pipes 12, 14 and to prevent leaking of the
drilling fluid. The operative connection of first and second drill
pipes 12, 14 also causes operative engagement of torque transfer
profile 42 of pin end 18 of first drill pipe 12 and torque transfer
profile 58 of connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14. For
example, lateral surface 96 cooperatively engages lateral surface
100 and tapered surface 98 cooperatively engages tapered surface
102. The operative engagement of torque transfer profiles 42, 58
permits rotational torque to be transferred from first drill pipe
12 to second drill pipe 14 through connector nut 16 (and in like
fashion to any other drill pipe segments made up and comprising the
drill pipe strand) during exploration or production operations such
as drilling of a well.
[0040] To ensure that connector nut 16 remains secured about first
and second drill pipes 12, 14, holding device 34 may be employed to
retain connector nut 16 in a fixed or stationary position relative
to first and second drill pipes 12, 14. Holding device 34 ensures
that connector nut 16, namely connector end means 70 or threads 72,
do not detach or threadedly detach from connector nut means or
threads 56 of second drill pipe 14 while connector assembly 10
rotates during operation of the drill string incorporating
connector assembly 10. Holding device 34 may be any type of device
capable of maintaining connector nut 16 in fixed position about
first drill pipe 12. One or more holding devices 34 may be used, as
for example, two, three, or four holding devices 34. Preferably,
holding device 34 fixedly connects connector nut 16 to beveled
shoulder 24 of pin end 18 of first drill pipe 12. For example,
holding device 34 may be set screw 76 as show in FIG. 3. Screw 76
may be inserted into thru hole 74 of connector nut 16 and into
recess 32 of beveled shoulder 24 to thereby fixedly attach
connector nut 16 to beveled shoulder 24 of first drill pipe 12.
Removal of screw 76 from recess 32 disengages the direct fixed
connection between connector nut 16 and beveled shoulder 24 of
first drill pipe 12.
[0041] As seen in FIG. 4, holding device 34 may also be snap latch
78. Latch 78 may be inserted into thru hole 74 and into recess 32
to affix connector nut 16 to beveled shoulder 24 of first drill
pipe 12. Latch 78 may also be made integral with connector nut 16
or fixed to inner surface 62 (e.g., via welding) and extend outward
from inner surface 62. Latch 78 would snap into recess 32 when
connector nut 16 is connected to connector end 44 of second drill
pipe 14 and disengage from recess 32 when connector nut 16 is
detached from connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14.
Alternatively, holding device 34 may be anti-rotation assembly 128
as discussed in more detail in connection with FIGS. 10-13
below.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of connector assembly
10. Connector nut means 54 of second drill pipe 14 are formed as
wicker-type threads 80. Connector end means 70 of connector nut 16
are formed as wicker-type threads 82. Rather than threadedly
connecting connector nut 16 to connector end 44 of second drill
pipe 14, in the alternative embodiment of assembly 10, wicker-type
threads 82 of connector nut 16 and wicker-type threads 80 of second
drill pipe 14 operatively engage when pin end 18 of drill pipe 12
is stabbed into connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14 to thereby
make up first and second drill pipes 12, 14. Connector nut 16 may
be disengaged from connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14 by
rotating connector nut 16 of wicker-type threads 80 of second drill
pipe 14. Alternative assembly 10 may include or not include one or
more holding devices 34. If one or more holding devices 34 are
included with alternative assembly 10, one or more holding devices
34 may be set screw 76, snap latch 78, or anti-rotation assembly
128 (as shown in FIGS. 10-13) to prevent connector nut 16 from
rotating off and disengaging from second drill pipe 14 during
rotation of alternative assembly 10 as would occur, for example,
during drilling operations. FIG. 5 shows assembly 10 with set
screws 76. In this embodiment, holding device 34 may be employed to
lock connector nut 16 in a fixed position relative to first drill
pipe 12 before first drill pipe 12 is connected to second drill
pipe 14.
[0043] FIG. 6 reveals a further alternative assembly 10. In the
further alternative assembly 10, connector nut means 54 of second
drill pipe 14 are formed as breech lock-type threads 104. Breech
lock-type threads 104 are interrupted helically threads that
contain thread-sections 106 and gaps 108. Connector end means 70 of
connector nut 16 are formed as breech lock-type threads 110. Breech
lock-type threads 110 are interrupted helically threads that
contain thread-sections 112 and gaps 114. Connector nut 16 is
connected to connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14 by
positioning each of thread-sections 112 of connector nut 16 within
respective gaps 108 of second drill pipe 14 and rotating connector
nut 16 in a first direction by a 1/2 turn causing mating engagement
of each thread-section 106 of second drill pipe 14 with a
corresponding thread-section 112 of connector nut 16. Thus, drill
pipe 12 (operatively engaged within connector nut 16) and drill
pipe 14 are made up. Drill pipes 12, 14 may be disengaged by
rotating connector nut 16 in the opposite direction by a 1/2 turn
and removing connector nut 16 (and associated drill pipe 12) from
connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14. If one or more holding
devices 34 are included with further alternative assembly 10, one
or more holding devices 34 may be set screw 76, snap latch 78, or
anti-rotation assembly 128 to prevent connector nut 16 from
rotating off and disengaging from second drill pipe 14 during
rotation of further alternative assembly 10 as would occur, for
example, during drilling operations. FIG. 6 shows assembly 10 with
set screws 76.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a schematic of floating platform 84 containing
drilling rig 86. Drilling rig 86 contains hoisting system 88 that
is used to make up drill string 90 that is run down through marine
riser 92 and into well 94. Drill string 90 comprises a series of
first and second drill pipes 12, 14 connected together via
connector assemblies 10. Drill string 90 may be used for drilling a
well, tripping in a well, running and setting down hole equipment,
or performing remedial work on a well. Additionally, drill string
90 may be used as a landing string to run heavy loads of casing
into the well of a deep water oil well.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of connector assembly
10. In this alternative, torque transfer profile 42 of first drill
pipe 12 may include wave-shaped surface 120, and torque transfer
profile 58 of second drill pipe 14 may include wave-shaped
surface
[0046] 122. The operative connection of first and second drill
pipes 12, 14 may cause reciprocal engagement of wave-shaped surface
120 of pin end 18 of first drill pipe 12 and wave-shaped surface
122 of connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14. The reciprocal
engagement of wave-shaped surfaces 120 and 122 permits rotational
torque to be transferred from first drill pipe 12 to second drill
pipe 14.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows another alternative embodiment of connector
assembly 10. In this alternative, torque transfer profile 42 may
include castle-shaped surface 124, and torque transfer profile 58
of second drill pipe 14 may include castle-shaped surface 126. In
this alternative, the operative connection of first and second
drill pipes 12, 14 may cause reciprocal engagement of castle-shaped
surface 124 of pin end 18 of first drill pipe 12 and castle-shaped
surface 126 of connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14. The
reciprocal engagement of castle-shaped surfaces 124 and 126 permits
rotational torque to be transferred from first drill pipe 12 to
second drill pipe 14.
[0048] In the alternatives shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, connector nut
means 54 of second drill pipe 14 may be any device capable of
detachably affixing connector nut 16 to upper section 52 of
connector end 44 of second drill pipe 14, while connector end means
70 may be any device capable of cooperating with connector nut
means 54 to detachably affix connector nut 16 to connector end 44
of second drill pipe 14. For example, connector nut means 54 and
connector end means 70 may be threads 56 and 72, wicker-type
threads 80 and 82, or breech lock-type threads 104 and 110. In
FIGS. 8 and 9, connector nut means 54 and connector end means 70
are shown as breech lock-type threads 104 and 110.
[0049] FIG. 10 shows a partial view of yet another alternative
embodiment of connector assembly 10 in which holding device 34 may
be anti-rotation assembly 128. Anti-rotation assembly 128 may be
disposed within thru hole 74 in connector nut 16. As shown in FIG.
11, anti-rotation assembly 128 may include body 130 having inner
surface 132 with a set of outer bearing cavities 134 and a set of
inner bearing cavities 136. Outer and inner bearing cavities 134,
136 may be adapted to selectively engage a set of bearings 138. The
number of outer and inner bearing cavities 134, 136 may be equal to
the number of bearings 138. Anti-rotation assembly 128 may include
any number of bearings 138. In preferred embodiments, anti-rotation
assembly 128 may include two or three bearings 138. Body 130 may
also have proximal end 140 with proximal opening 142 and distal end
144 with distal opening 146.
[0050] Referring still to FIG. 11, stopper 148 may be disposed
within body 130 adjacent to proximal opening 142. Support member
150 may extend from distal end 152 of stopper 148. Distal end 154
of support member 150 may have one or more protuberances 156. Plug
158 may be disposed within support member 150. Plug 158 may have
proximal end 160, tapered outer surface 162, and distal neck 164.
Distal neck 164 may be slidingly disposed through aperture 166 in
guide 168 of support member 150 which may be positioned within
distal end 154. Guide 168 may be fixedly attached within distal end
154 of support member 150. Alternatively, guide 168 may be an
integral part of distal end 154 of support member 150. Tapered
outer surface 162 may selectively force bearings 138 into outer or
inner bearing cavities 134 or 136. Spring 170 may be disposed
between proximal end 160 of plug 158 and distal end 152 of stopper
148. Connector assembly 10 may include two or more anti-rotation
assemblies 128 in each thru hole 74.
[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates anti-rotation assembly 128 in a neutral
position. In the neutral position, tapered outer surface 162 of
plug 158 may secure bearings 138 in engagement with outer bearing
cavities 134 such that stopper 148 is disposed entirely within
proximal end 140 of body 130.
[0052] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate anti-rotation assembly 128 in the
engaged position in which stopper 148 engages recess 32 of first
drill pipe 12. In this position, anti-rotation assembly 128 fixedly
connects connector nut 16 to beveled shoulder 24 of pin end 18 of
first drill pipe 12. Tool 180 (shown in FIG. 14) may be used to
move anti-rotation assembly 128 between the neutral position shown
in FIG. 11 and the engaged position shown in FIG. 13.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 14, tool 180 may include central
member 182 having tapered outer surface 184 leading to compression
tip 186 at a distal end of tool 180. Central member 182 may be
disposed within housing 190. Spring 192 may also be disposed within
housing 190 around central member 182. Distal end 194 of spring 192
may be operatively connected to central member 182, such as through
connection member 196. Connection member 196 may be a ring disposed
around central member 182, a radial extension from central member
182, or any other mechanism for connecting distal end 194 of spring
192 to a fixed point on central member 182. Tool 180 may further
include arms 198 extending from within housing 190 and positioned
around central member 182. Each arm 198 may include extension 200
at its distal end. Tool 180 may include two or more arms 198
positioned around central member 182.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 11, 13, and 14, compression tip 186
of central member 182 and extensions 200 of each arm 198 of tool
180 may be inserted through distal opening 146 of body 130 and past
protuberances 156. Compression tip 186 of central member 182 may
engage distal neck 164 of plug 158. Selectively applying force to
tool 180 may cause compression tip 186 to cause distal neck 164 to
slide forward through aperture 166 in guide 168 until extensions
200 of arms 198 engage an outer surface of guide 168. This will
compress spring 170. The displacement of plug 158 may release
bearings 138 from outer bearing cavities 134 thereby allowing the
displacement of support member 150 within body 130. By further
selectively applying force to tool 180, extensions 200 of arms 198
may cause support member 150 to be projected forward such that
stopper 148 engages recess 32 of first drill pipe 12. Withdrawing
tool 180 from body 130 may allow spring 170 to push plug 158 such
that distal neck 164 is again disposed through aperture 166. As
plug 158 travels backward, tapered outer surface 162 may force
bearings 138 into engagement with inner bearing cavities 136 such
that anti-rotation assembly 128 is locked in the engaged position
as shown in FIG. 13.
[0055] Tool 180 may also be used to return anti-rotation assembly
128 to the neutral position shown in FIG. 11. In the same way,
compression tip 186 of central member 182 and extensions 200 of
arms 198 may be inserted to displace plug 158 forward and compress
spring 170. Bearings 138 may be released from inner bearing
cavities 136 by the displacement of plug 158. A user may apply
additional force to central member 182 such that compression tip
186 extends further beyond extensions 200 of arms 198. As central
member 182 slides through arms 198, spring 192 may be compressed
and tapered outer surface 184 of central member 182 may force
extensions 200 of arms 198 radially outward such that extensions
200 may engage an inner surface of protuberances 156. A user may
then pull tool 180 outwardly such that extensions 200 apply
backward force to protuberances 156 thereby pulling support member
150 backward and stopper 148 out of engagement with recess 32 of
first drill pipe 12. The user may then release the additional force
from central member 182 such that spring 192 pulls central member
182 back to its initial position allowing extensions 200 to retract
and again fit through the opening between protuberances 156. After
releasing protuberances 156 and distal neck 164 of plug 158, spring
170 may push plug 158 backward such that tapered outer surface 162
forces bearings 138 into engagement with outer bearing cavities 134
and anti-rotation assembly 128 is locked in the neutral
position.
[0056] Connector assembly 10 may be easier to use, easier to
maintain, and safer than conventional means of connecting drill
pipe segments. Because the drill pipe may not need to be rotated to
make up the connection, connector assembly 10 may be used with full
robotics, with automated rigs, or for rigless intervention
work.
[0057] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments
described are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention
is to be defined solely by the appended claims when accorded a full
range of equivalents, many variations and modifications naturally
occurring to those skilled in the art from a perusal hereof.
* * * * *