U.S. patent application number 15/245889 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for actuator, elevator with actuator, and methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Texas International Oilfield Tools, LLC. Invention is credited to Stephen John Edwards, Jose Osvaldo Martinez, Rex Allen Shepperd, Mario Donavan Vargas, Tyrone Reynolds Young.
Application Number | 20170058619 15/245889 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58103480 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170058619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shepperd; Rex Allen ; et
al. |
March 2, 2017 |
Actuator, Elevator with Actuator, and Methods of Use
Abstract
Disclosed is an actuator device for remotely engaging, in
fail-safe fashion, the slip segments on a slip-type elevator used
in connection with a drill pipe, casing, or other object being
lowered into or pulled out an oil, gas, geothermal, water, mining
or other subsurface well. An actuator drive mechanism is provided
and capable of extending a cylinder to engage the top surface of a
slip segment or slip setting plate to cause the slips to be pushed
into gripping engagement against the outer surface of the drill
pipe, casing, or other object. The slips may be equipped with
retention springs to move the slips back to their non-engaged
positions when the actuator drive is disengaged or to urge
continued engagement. The actuator drive cylinder can also be
directly attached to the slips or slip setting plate and is capable
of moving the slips into and out of their engaged position.
Inventors: |
Shepperd; Rex Allen; (Big
Horn, WY) ; Edwards; Stephen John; (Houston, TX)
; Young; Tyrone Reynolds; (Cypress, TX) ;
Martinez; Jose Osvaldo; (Friendswood, TX) ; Vargas;
Mario Donavan; (Katy, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Texas International Oilfield Tools, LLC |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58103480 |
Appl. No.: |
15/245889 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62209327 |
Aug 24, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 33/0422 20130101;
E21B 19/07 20130101; E21B 19/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/07 20060101
E21B019/07; E21B 33/04 20060101 E21B033/04; E21B 19/10 20060101
E21B019/10 |
Claims
1. An actuator mechanism for actuating, as desired, one or more
slip segments in a slip-type elevator used in connection with an
oil, gas, geothermal, water, mining or other subsurface well, the
elevator comprising a central slip bore between the slip segments
permitting the passage therethrough of a drill pipe, casing, or
other object being lowered into or pulled out of the well, the one
or more slips capable of being actuated on a slip actuation surface
to move between a static, non-engaged first position away from an
outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical
object being lowered into or pulled out from the well to a second
position in gripping engagement with the outer surface of the drill
pipe, casing, or other object being lowered into or pulled out of
the well, the actuator mechanism comprising: a. a mounting flange
attachable to the elevator, b. a housing attached to the mounting
flange, the housing positioned so that it does not extend into the
elevator central slip bore, c. an actuator drive mechanism mounted
within the housing, d. a retractable piston extending from the
actuator drive mechanism, the piston having a proximal end attached
to the actuator drive mechanism and a distal end extendable
therefrom, the actuator drive mechanism capable of being activated
to engage the piston with the slip actuation surface, the actuator
drive mechanism capable of being activated to cause the piston to
extend outwardly in engagement with the slip actuation surface to
move the slips from the slip static, non-engaged first position
into the slip second position to grippingly engage the outer
surface of the drill pipe, casing, or other object, the actuator
drive mechanism capable of maintaining the piston in its extended
position to maintain the slips in such grippingly engaging
position, and the actuator drive mechanism being further capable of
being deactivated to move the slips from the slip engaged second
position to the slip disengaged first position.
2. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 wherein the elevator is a
floor spider type elevator or a lifting and hoisting type
elevator.
3. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 wherein the actuator mechanism
is activated hydraulically, pneumatically, magnetically and/or
mechanically.
4. The actuator mechanism of claim 3 wherein the mechanical
activation is an electrical motor.
5. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 wherein the other cylindrical
object being lowered into or pulled out of the well comprises a
wireline.
6. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 further comprising at least
one additional actuator device mounted in a housing attached to the
mounting flange in spaced apart relationship from the other one or
more actuator devices.
7. The actuator mechanism of claim 6 wherein the one or more
actuator devices are mounted in the same housing in spaced-apart
relationship.
8. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 wherein the slip activation
surface comprises the top surfaces of the one or more slips.
9. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 wherein the elevator further
comprises a slip setting plate that links together the movement of
the one or more slips, and wherein the slip activation surface
comprises a top surface of the slip setting plate.
10. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 wherein the one or more slip
segments comprise spring-loaded slip segments, wherein the actuated
movement of the one or more spring-loaded slips to their second
positions causes the one or more springs in the one or more slips
to be compressed, and wherein when the actuator is deactivated, the
actuator piston is permitted to retract, and the one or more
compressed springs in the one or more slips urge the one or more
slips to return to their non-engaged first positions.
11. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the
retractable piston is attached directly to a point of attachment on
the slip actuation surface, wherein as the piston is engaged to
extend outwardly, the one or more slips are pushed into their
second positions, wherein the actuator piston is capable of being
held in its extended position to maintain the one or more slips in
their second, engaged positions, and wherein as the piston is
retracted inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into their
first positions.
12. The actuator mechanism of claim 11 wherein the piston is
fixably, hingably, swivelly or flexibly attached to the point of
attachment on the slip actuation surface.
13. The actuator mechanism of claim 11 wherein the one or more
slips further comprise one or more pretensioned springs biased to
provide a force urging the one or more slips into their second,
engaged positions, wherein as the piston extends outwardly, the one
or more slips are pushed into their second positions assisted by
the force of the one or more pretensioned springs, wherein as the
piston is retracted inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into
their first positions, and the one or more springs are compressed
into their pretensioned bias, and wherein, when the piston is
holding the one or more slips in their second, engaged positions,
the pretensioned springs serve as a fail-safe to maintain the one
or more slips in their engaged positions in the event that the
piston becomes detached from the point of attachment on the slip
actuation surface.
14. An actuator mechanism for actuating, as desired, one or more
spring-loaded slip segments in a slip-type elevator used in
connection with an oil, gas, geothermal, water, mining or other
subsurface well, the elevator comprising a central slip bore
between the slip segments permitting the passage therethrough of a
drill pipe, casing, or other object being lowered into or pulled
out of the well, the one or more spring-loaded slips capable of
being actuated on a slip actuation surface to move between a
static, non-engaged first position away from an outer surface of
the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object being lowered
into or pulled out from the well to a second position in gripping
engagement with the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or
other object being lowered into or pulled out of the well, the
movement of the slip to the second position causing the slip spring
to compress and load the slip spring, the actuator mechanism
comprising: a. a mounting flange attachable to the elevator, b. a
housing attached to the mounting flange, the housing positioned so
that it does not extend into the elevator central slip bore, c. an
actuator drive mechanism mounted within the housing, d. a
retractable piston extending from the actuator drive mechanism, the
piston having a proximal end attached to the actuator drive
mechanism and a distal end extendable therefrom, the actuator drive
mechanism capable of being activated to place the piston into
contact with the slip actuation surface, the actuator drive
mechanism capable of being activated to cause the piston to extend
outwardly to push against the slip actuation surface to move the
slips from the slip static, non-engaged first position into the
slip second position to grippingly engage the outer surface of the
drill pipe, casing, or other object while also compressing the slip
springs, the actuator drive mechanism capable of maintaining the
piston in its extended position to maintain the slips in such
grippingly engaging position, and the actuator drive mechanism
being further capable of being deactivated to permit the compressed
slip springs to move the slips from the slip engaged second
position to the slip disengaged first position.
15. The actuator mechanism of claim 14 wherein the elevator is a
floor spider type elevator or a lifting and hoisting type
elevator.
16. The actuator mechanism of claim 1 wherein the actuator
mechanism is activated hydraulically, pneumatically, magnetically
and/or mechanically.
17. The actuator mechanism of claim 16 wherein the mechanical
activation is an electrical motor.
18. The actuator mechanism of claim 14 wherein the other
cylindrical object being lowered into or pulled out of the well
comprises a wireline.
19. The actuator mechanism of claim 14 further comprising at least
one additional actuator device mounted in a housing attached to the
mounting flange in spaced apart relationship from the other one or
more actuator devices.
20. The actuator mechanism of claim 19 wherein the one or more
actuator devices are mounted with the same housing in spaced-apart
relationship.
21. A slip-type elevator used in connection with a drill pipe,
casing, or other object being lowered into or pulled out an oil,
gas, geothermal, water, mining or other subsurface well, the
elevator comprising: a. a main body with a central elevator bore,
b. a plurality of slip segments mounted on slip guide pins spaced
about the central elevator bore, the pins guiding the downward and
upward movement of the slip segments about the elevator central
bore, the slip segments capable of being actuated on a slip
actuation surface to move between a static, non-engaged first
position away from the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or
other object being lowered into or pulled out from the well to a
second position in gripping engagement with the outer surface of
the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object being lowered
into or pulled out of the well, c. a central slip bore between the
slip segments permitting the passage therethrough of a drill pipe,
casing, or other cylindrical object being lowered into or pulled
out of the well, d. at least one actuator mechanism mounted to the
elevator in a location that does not interfere with the desired
passage of the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object
through the central slip bore, the at least one actuator mechanism
comprising: i. an actuator drive mechanism, ii. a retractable
piston extending from the actuator drive mechanism, the piston
having a proximal end attached to the actuator drive mechanism and
a distal end extendable therefrom, the actuator drive mechanism
capable of being activated to engage the piston with the slip
actuation surface, the actuator drive mechanism capable of being
activated to cause the piston to extend outwardly in engagement
with the slip actuation surface to move the slips from the slip
static, non-engaged first position into the slip second position to
grippingly engage the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or
other object, the actuator drive mechanism capable of maintaining
the piston in its extended position to maintain the slips in such
grippingly engaging position, and the actuator drive mechanism
being further capable of being deactivated to move the slips from
the slip engaged second position to the slip disengaged first
position.
22. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the main body is a
hinged body, a solid body, or a solid body with a side door.
23. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the elevator is a
floor spider elevator or a lifting and hoisting elevator.
24. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the actuator
mechanism is activated hydraulically, pneumatically, magnetically,
mechanically and/or electro-mechanically.
25. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the mechanical or
electro-mechanical activation is an electric motor.
26. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the other
cylindrical object being lowered into or pulled out of the well
comprises a wireline.
27. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 further comprising at least
one additional actuator device mounted in a housing attached to the
mounting flange in spaced apart relationship from the other one or
more actuator devices.
28. The slip-type elevator of claim 27 wherein the one or more
actuator devices are mounted in the same housing in spaced-apart
relationship.
29. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the slip activation
surface comprises the top surfaces of the one or more slips.
30. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the elevator further
comprises a slip setting plate that links together the movement of
the one or more slips, and wherein the slip activation surface
comprises a top surface of the slip setting plate.
31. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the one or more slip
segments comprise spring-loaded slip segments, wherein the actuated
movement of the one or more spring-loaded slips to their second
positions causes the one or more springs in the one or more slips
to be compressed, and wherein when the actuator is deactivated, the
actuator piston is permitted to retract, and the one or more
compressed springs in the one or more slips urge the one or more
slips to return to their non-engaged first positions.
32. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the slip segments
further comprise retention springs located on the slip pins, the
movement of the slip segments into the second position causing the
slip retention springs to compress, the compressed slip springs
capable of moving the slips from the slip engaged second position
to the slip disengaged first position.
33. The slip-type elevator of claim 21 wherein the distal end of
the retractable piston is attached directly to a point of
attachment on the slip actuation surface, wherein as the piston is
engaged to extend outwardly, the one or more slips are pushed into
their second positions, wherein the actuator piston is capable of
being held in its extended position to maintain the one or more
slips in their second, engaged positions, and wherein as the piston
is retracted inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into their
first positions.
34. The slip-type elevator of claim 33 wherein the piston is
fixably, hingably, swivelly or flexibly attached to the point of
attachment on the slip actuation surface.
35. The slip-type elevator of claim 33 wherein the one or more
slips further comprise one or more pretensioned springs biased to
provide a force urging the one or more slips into their second,
engaged positions, wherein as the piston extends outwardly, the one
or more slips are pushed into their second positions assisted by
the force of the one or more pretensioned springs, wherein as the
piston is retracted inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into
their first positions, and the one or more springs are compressed
into their pretensioned bias, and wherein, when the piston is
holding the one or more slips in their second, engaged positions,
the pretensioned springs serve as a fail-safe to maintain the one
or more slips in their engaged positions in the event that the
piston becomes detached from the point of attachment on the slip
actuation surface.
36. A method of gripping and holding a drill pipe, casing, or other
cylindrical object being lowered into or pulled out of an oil, gas,
geothermal, water, mining or other subsurface well comprising the
steps of: a. providing a slip-type elevator comprising: i. a main
body with a central elevator bore, ii. a plurality of slip segments
mounted on slip pins spaced about the central elevator bore, the
pins guiding the downward and upward movement of the slip segments
about the elevator central bore, the slip segments capable of being
actuated on a slip actuation surface to move between a static,
non-engaged first position away from the outer surface of the drill
pipe, casing, or other object being lowered into or pulled out from
the well to a second position in gripping engagement with the outer
surface of the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object
being lowered into or pulled out of the well, iii. a central slip
bore between the slip segments permitting the passage therethrough
of the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object being
lowered into or pulled out of the well, iv. at least one actuator
mechanism mounted to the elevator in a location that does not
interfere with the desired passage of the drill pipe, casing, or
other cylindrical object through the central slip bore, the at
least one actuator mechanism comprising: an actuator drive
mechanism; a retractable piston extending from the actuator drive
mechanism, the piston having a proximal end attached to the
actuator drive mechanism and a distal end extendable therefrom; the
actuator drive mechanism capable of being activated to engage the
piston with the slip actuation surface, the actuator drive
mechanism capable of being activated to cause the piston to extend
outwardly in engagement with the slip actuation surface to move the
slips from the slip static, non-engaged first position into the
slip second position to grippingly engage the outer surface of the
drill pipe, casing, or other object, the actuator drive mechanism
capable of maintaining the piston in its extended position to
maintain the slips in such grippingly engaging position, and the
actuator drive mechanism being further capable of being deactivated
to move the slips from the slip engaged second position to the slip
disengaged first position; b. activating the actuator mechanism; c.
remotely signaling the actuator drive to move the slip segments
into gripping engagement with the outer surface of the drill pipe,
casing, or other cylindrical object; d. maintaining the slip
segments in the gripping engagement for a desired length of time;
and e. deactivating the actuator drive mechanism to permit the slip
segments to return to their first, non-engaged positions.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein the slip segments are activated
to grippingly engage the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing,
or other cylindrical object being lowered into or pulled out of the
well to prevent or mitigate a ratcheting event.
38. The method of claim 36 wherein the actuator mechanism is
activated hydraulically, pneumatically, magnetically, mechanically
and/or electro-mechanically.
39. The method of claim 38 wherein the mechanical or
electro-mechanical activation is an electric motor.
40. The method of claim 36 further comprising at least one
additional actuator device mounted in a housing attached to the
mounting flange in spaced apart relationship from the other one or
more actuator devices, wherein each of the actuator devices are
substantially simultaneously activated during the activation step
or substantially simultaneously deactivated during the deactivation
step.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein the one or more actuator devices
are mounted with the same housing in spaced-apart relationship.
42. The method of claim 40 wherein the slip activation surface
comprises the top surfaces of the one or more slips.
43. The method of claim 40 wherein the elevator further comprises a
slip setting plate that links together the movement of the one or
more slips, and wherein the slip activation surface comprises a top
surface of the slip setting plate.
44. The method of claim 36 wherein the one or more slip segments
comprise spring-loaded slip segments, wherein the actuated movement
of the one or more spring-loaded slips to their second positions
causes the one or more springs in the one or more slips to be
compressed, and wherein when the actuator is deactivated, the
actuator piston is permitted to retract, and the one or more
compressed springs in the one or more slips urge the one or more
slips to return to their non-engaged first positions.
45. The method of claim 36 wherein the slip segments further
comprise retention springs located on the slip pins, the movement
of the slip segments into the second position causing the slip
retention springs to compress, the compressed slip springs capable
of moving the slips from the slip engaged second position to the
slip disengaged first position.
46. The method of claim 36 wherein the distal end of the
retractable piston is attached directly to a point of attachment on
the slip actuation surface, wherein as the piston is engaged to
extend outwardly, the one or more slips are pushed into their
second positions, wherein the actuator piston is capable of being
held in its extended position to maintain the one or more slips in
their second, engaged positions, and wherein as the piston is
retracted inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into their
first positions.
47. The method of claim 46 wherein the piston is fixably, hingably,
swivelly or flexibly attached to the point of attachment on the
slip actuation surface.
48. The method of claim 46 wherein the one or more slips further
comprise one or more pretensioned springs biased to provide a force
urging the one or more slips into their second, engaged positions,
wherein as the piston extends outwardly, the one or more slips are
pushed into their second positions assisted by the force of the one
or more pretensioned springs, wherein as the piston is retracted
inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into their first
positions, and the one or more springs are compressed into their
pretensioned bias, and wherein, when the piston is holding the one
or more slips in their second, engaged positions, the pretensioned
springs serve as a fail-safe to maintain the one or more slips in
their engaged positions in the event that the piston becomes
detached from the point of attachment on the slip actuation
surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/209,327
entitled "Actuator, Elevator with Actuator, and Methods of Use" and
filed Aug. 24, 2015, Confirmation No. 6697; said provisional
application being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety
for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
oil, gas, geothermal, water, mining or other subsurface wells, and
more particularly to the field of slip-type elevators used in
connection with these wells.
[0004] With slip-type elevators, the slips are designed to be
movable between a static, non-engaged first position away from an
outer surface of a drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object
being lowered into or pulled out from the well to a second position
in gripping engagement with the outer surface of the drill pipe,
casing, or other cylindrical object being lowered into the
well.
[0005] Currently, setting a slip on a slip-type elevator requires
that there be a physical device attached to the object being
lowered or pulled out of the well. For example, a collar on a pipe
being lowered into or pulled from a well is employed to physically
interact with a setting plate located above the slip segments in
the elevator to move the slips into engagement with the surface of
the object in the elevator central slip bore to thereby hold the
object in place. When the slip segments are moved into their
engagement position, such movement also causes compression of the
slip springs in the slip segments. When the collar is moved away
from the slip segments, the action of the slip springs moves the
slip segments back to their original, non-engaged position.
[0006] However, the object being lowered into or pulled from a
well, e.g., drill pipe, does not always have such collar structure
capable of interacting with the slip setting plate (e.g., flush
pipe). In these situations, the current practice is to temporarily
attach a tool string member to the, e.g., drill pipe, so that the
attached member can engage the slip setting plate. However, this is
a time consuming process and a mechanical failure of this attached
member can cause loss of the object (e.g., drilling string) down
the well.
[0007] Additionally, operators moving objects through an elevator
desire to be able to close the elevator grips around the object at
a desired location. However, existing elevator slip mechanisms do
not permit the operator to, e.g., set drilling pipe at a desired,
chosen location.
[0008] Additionally, when a drill string or other object is being
moved through an elevator, the drill string can encounter a bump or
other resistance to movement that can cause the drill string or
other object being gripped in the elevator slips to start bouncing.
Existing elevators employ slips that must be mechanically engaged.
Therefore, when this bouncing begins, when the tubing string
bounces upward, the slips disengage and the existing elevator
designs cannot reset the slips because there will not be present
the required mechanical mechanism for triggering the closure of the
slips. As a consequence, the bouncing or ratcheting of the drill
pipe (or other object) permits the drill string to advance
downwardly into the well in an uncontrollable fashion which can
result in the tubing string (drill pipe) being lost down the
well.
[0009] Therefore, there remains a need for a slip type elevator
actuator that is not required to be attached to the tubing string
being lowered into or pulled from the well. There also remains a
need for an elevator slip setting device that permits the operator
to set the slips at any desired location along the outer diameter
of the drill pipe or other object being moved through the elevator.
There further remains a need for a method for preventing or
mitigating the effects of ratcheting where the tubing string
experiences an induced movement of load and for providing an
elevator slip design that prevents or mitigates a ratcheting event
that permits the tubing string to be dropped down the well.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] In one embodiment there is disclosed and shown an actuator
mechanism for actuating, as desired, one or more slip segments in a
slip-type elevator used in connection with an oil, gas, geothermal,
water, mining or other subsurface well, the elevator comprising a
central slip bore between the slip segments permitting the passage
therethrough of a drill pipe, casing, or other object being lowered
into or pulled out of the well, the one or more slips capable of
being actuated on a slip actuation surface to move between a
static, non-engaged first position away from an outer surface of
the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object being lowered
into or pulled out from the well to a second position in gripping
engagement with the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or
other object being lowered into or pulled out of the well.
[0011] In one embodiment, the actuator mechanism comprises a
mounting flange attachable to the elevator, a housing attached to
the mounting flange, the housing positioned so that it does not
extend into the elevator central slip bore, an actuator drive
mechanism mounted within the housing, and a retractable piston
extending from the actuator drive mechanism, the piston having a
proximal end attached to the actuator drive mechanism and a distal
end extendable therefrom. The actuator drive mechanism is capable
of being activated to engage the piston with the slip actuation
surface. The actuator drive mechanism is also capable of being
activated to cause the piston to extend outwardly in engagement
with the slip actuation surface to move the slips from the slip
static, non-engaged first position into the slip second position to
grippingly engage the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or
other object, such as for example, a wireline. The actuator drive
mechanism is also capable of maintaining the piston in its extended
position to maintain the slips in such grippingly engaging
position. The actuator drive mechanism is further capable of being
deactivated to move the slips from the slip engaged second position
to the slip disengaged first position.
[0012] The actuator mechanism can be employed with various
elevators, such as a floor spider type elevator or a lifting and
hoisting type elevator or the like. The actuator mechanism may be
activated hydraulically, pneumatically, magnetically, mechanically
and/or electromechanically (such as with an electrical motor).
[0013] In another embodiment, the actuator mechanism may further
comprise at least one additional actuator device mounted in a
housing attached to the mounting flange in spaced apart
relationship from the other one or more actuator devices. These one
or more actuator devices can be mounted in the same housing in
spaced-apart relationship.
[0014] In one embodiment, the slip activation surface comprises the
top surfaces of the one or more slips. The elevator may further
comprise a slip setting plate that links together the movement of
the one or more slips, and the slip activation surface may comprise
a top surface of the slip setting plate.
[0015] In another embodiment of the actuator mechanism, the one or
more slip segments comprise spring-loaded slip segments. The
actuated movement of the one or more spring-loaded slips to their
second positions causes the one or more springs in the one or more
slips to be compressed. When the actuator is deactivated, the
actuator piston is permitted to retract, and the one or more
compressed springs in the one or more slips urge the one or more
slips to return to their non-engaged first positions.
[0016] In another embodiment of the actuator mechanism, the distal
end of the retractable piston is attached directly to a point of
attachment on the slip actuation surface. As the piston is engaged
to extend outwardly, the one or more slips are pushed into their
second positions. The actuator piston is capable of being held in
its extended position to maintain the one or more slips in their
second, engaged positions. As the piston is retracted inwardly, the
one or more slips are pulled into their first positions. In this
embodiment, the piston may be fixably, hingably, swivelly or
flexibly attached to the point of attachment on the slip actuation
surface. In another embodiment of this actuator mechanism, the one
or more slips further comprise one or more pretensioned springs
biased to provide a force urging the one or more slips into their
second, engaged positions. As the piston extends outwardly, the one
or more slips are pushed into their second positions assisted by
the force of the one or more pretensioned springs. As the piston is
retracted inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into their
first positions, and the one or more springs are compressed into
their pretensioned bias. When the piston is holding the one or more
slips in their second, engaged positions, the pretensioned springs
serve as a fail-safe to maintain the one or more slips in their
engaged positions in the event that the piston becomes detached
from the point of attachment on the slip actuation surface.
[0017] In another embodiment there is disclosed an actuator
mechanism for actuating, as desired, one or more spring-loaded slip
segments in a slip-type elevator used in connection with, e.g., a
subsurface well, the elevator comprising a central slip bore
between the slip segments permitting the passage therethrough of a
drill pipe, casing, or other object being lowered into or pulled
out of the well, the one or more spring-loaded slips capable of
being actuated on a slip actuation surface to move between a
static, non-engaged first position away from an outer surface of
the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object (such as, for
example, a wireline) being lowered into or pulled out from the well
to a second position in gripping engagement with the outer surface
of the drill pipe, casing, or other object being lowered into or
pulled out of the well, the movement of the slip to the second
position causing the slip spring to compress and load the slip
spring.
[0018] In one embodiment, the actuator mechanism comprises a
mounting flange attachable to the elevator; a housing attached to
the mounting flange, the housing positioned so that it does not
extend into the elevator central slip bore; an actuator drive
mechanism mounted within the housing; a retractable piston
extending from the actuator drive mechanism, the piston having a
proximal end attached to the actuator drive mechanism and a distal
end extendable therefrom. The actuator drive mechanism is capable
of being activated to place the piston into contact with the slip
actuation surface. The actuator drive mechanism is also capable of
being activated to cause the piston to extend outwardly to push
against the slip actuation surface to move the slips from the slip
static, non-engaged first position into the slip second position to
grippingly engage the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or
other object while also compressing the slip springs. The actuator
drive mechanism is also capable of maintaining the piston in its
extended position to maintain the slips in such grippingly engaging
position. The actuator drive mechanism being further capable of
being deactivated to permit the compressed slip springs to move the
slips from the slip engaged second position to the slip disengaged
first position.
[0019] The actuator mechanism can operate with various elevators,
such as, for example, a floor spider elevator, a lifting or a
hoisting elevator.
[0020] The actuator mechanism can be driven in many ways. For
example, hydraulically, pneumatically, magnetically, mechanically
and electro mechanically, e.g., with an electrical motor.
[0021] In another embodiment, the actuator mechanism further
comprises at least one additional actuator device mounted in a
housing attached to the mounting flange in spaced apart
relationship from the other one or more actuator devices. For
example, the multi-actuator system may employ two or more actuator
drives to move the slips or slip setting plate. The actuator drives
may be mounted in separate housings or share a common housing. The
actuator drives can also be integrated directly into the body of
the elevator.
[0022] Also disclosed is slip-type elevator modified to include by
way of retrofit or by way of specific design, one or more actuator
devices as described herein. These slip-type elevators typically
comprise: (a) a main body with a central elevator bore, (b) a
plurality of slip segments mounted on slip guide pins spaced about
the central elevator bore, the pins guiding the downward and upward
movement of the slip segments about the elevator central bore, the
slip segments capable of being actuated on a slip actuation surface
to move between a static, non-engaged first position away from the
outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or other object being
lowered into or pulled out from the well to a second position in
gripping engagement with the outer surface of the drill pipe,
casing, or other cylindrical object being lowered into or pulled
out of the well, (c) a central slip bore between the slip segments
permitting the passage therethrough of a drill pipe, casing, or
other cylindrical object being lowered into or pulled out of the
well, and (d) at least one actuator mechanism (as described herein)
mounted to the elevator in a location that does not interfere with
the desired passage of the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical
object through the central slip bore.
[0023] The slip-type elevators can include elevators wherein the
main body is a hinged body, a solid body with a side door, or a
solid body.
[0024] The slip-type elevators can include for example, a floor
spider elevator, a lifting or a hoisting elevator.
[0025] The slip-type elevator may further comprise at least one
additional actuator device mounted in a housing attached to the
mounting flange in spaced apart relationship from the other one or
more actuator devices. The one or more actuator devices may be
mounted in the same housing in spaced-apart relationship.
[0026] The slip activation surface may comprise the top surfaces of
the one or more slips. In another embodiment, the elevator may
further comprise a slip setting plate that links together the
movement of the one or more slips. In this embodiment, the slip
activation surface may comprise a top surface of the slip setting
plate.
[0027] In another embodiment of the slip-type elevator, the one or
more slip segments comprise spring-loaded slip segments. In this
embodiment, the actuated movement of the one or more spring-loaded
slips to their second positions causes the one or more springs in
the one or more slips to be compressed. When the actuator is
deactivated, the actuator piston is permitted to retract, and the
one or more compressed springs in the one or more slips urge the
one or more slips to return to their non-engaged first
positions.
[0028] The slip-type elevator can further comprise slip segments
that have retention springs located on the slip pins, the movement
of the slip segments into the second position causing the slip
retention springs to compress and load the slip retention springs,
the compressed slip springs capable of moving the slips from the
slip engaged second position to the slip disengaged first
position.
[0029] In yet another embodiment of the slip-type elevator, the
slip segments comprise retention springs located on the slip pin.
As the slip segments are moved into the second position, the slip
retention springs become compressed. The compressed slip springs
are capable of moving the slips from the slip engaged second
position to the slip disengaged first position.
[0030] In still another embodiment of the slip-type elevator, the
distal end of the retractable piston is attached directly to a
point of attachment on the slip actuation surface. As the piston is
engaged to extend outwardly, the one or more slips are pushed into
their second positions. The actuator piston is capable of being
held in its extended position to maintain the one or more slips in
their second, engaged positions. As the piston is retracted
inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into their first
positions. In this embodiment, the piston may fixably, hingably,
swivelly or flexibly attached to the point of attachment on the
slip actuation surface. In another embodiment, the one or more
slips further comprise one or more pretensioned springs biased to
provide a force urging the one or more slips into their second,
engaged positions. As the piston extends outwardly, the one or more
slips are pushed into their second positions assisted by the force
of the one or more pretensioned springs. As the piston is retracted
inwardly, the one or more slips are pulled into their first
positions, and the one or more springs are compressed into their
pretensioned bias. When the piston is holding the one or more slips
in their second, engaged positions, the pretensioned springs serve
as a fail-safe to maintain the one or more slips in their engaged
positions in the event that the piston becomes detached from the
point of attachment on the slip actuation surface.
[0031] Also described is a method of gripping and holding a drill
pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object being lowered into or
pulled out of an oil, gas, geothermal, water, mining or other
subsurface well comprising the steps of: (1) providing a slip-type
elevator as described herein; (2) activating the actuator
mechanism; (3) remotely signaling the actuator drive to move the
slip segments into gripping engagement with the outer surface of
the drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object; (4)
maintaining the slip segments in the gripping engagement for a
desired length of time; and (5) deactivating the actuator drive
mechanism to permit the slip segments to return to their first,
non-engaged positions. The method can also be employed to activate
the slip segments to grippingly engage the outer surface of the
drill pipe, casing, or other cylindrical object being lowered into
or pulled out of the well to prevent or mitigate a ratcheting
event. The actuator mechanism may be activated hydraulically,
pneumatically, magnetically, mechanically and/or
electro-mechanically. Where multiple actuators are used to
manipulate the slips, the actuators are coordinated to preferably
move each respective slip substantially simultaneously. By
employing the actuated slips of the present invention, positive
pressure can be maintained on the slips to maintain them in their
gripping position. Well operators can also set the slips around the
objects at the location that they desire.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an actuator mechanism
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a front, exploded perspective view of an actuator
mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts a front plan view of the actuator mechanism
of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a back plan view of the actuator mechanism of
FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 5 depicts a top plan view of the actuator device of
FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 6 depicts a bottom plan view of the actuator device of
FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 7 depicts a left side plan view of the actuator
mechanism of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 8 depicts a right side plan view of the actuator
mechanism of FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 9 depicts a left back perspective view of the actuator
mechanism of FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 10 depicts a right back perspective view of the
actuator of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 11 depicts a left side perspective view of an exemplary
elevator device further comprising the actuator mechanism of FIG. 1
mounted thereon.
[0043] FIG. 12 depicts a right side perspective view of the
elevator device of FIG. 11.
[0044] FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of the elevator device of
FIG. 11 wherein the slip set of the elevator is in the engaged
position by virtue of the engagement action of the actuator
mechanism.
[0045] FIG. 14 depicts a cross sectional left side plan view of the
elevator device of FIG. 11 taken along lines A-A of FIG. 13.
[0046] FIG. 15 depicts enlarged Detail C taken from FIG. 14.
[0047] FIG. 16 depicts a top plan view of the elevator device of
FIG. 11 wherein the slip set of the elevator is in the disengaged
position.
[0048] FIG. 17 depicts a cross sectional left side plan view of the
elevator device of FIG. 11 taken along lines B-B of FIG. 16.
[0049] FIG. 18 depicts enlarged Detail D taken from FIG. 17.
[0050] FIG. 19 depicts a cross sectional side plan view of the
elevator device of FIG. 11 taken along lines E-E of FIG. 13.
[0051] FIG. 20 depicts enlarged Detail F taken from FIG. 19.
[0052] FIG. 21 depicts a top partial cut-away view of the exemplary
elevator of FIG. 11 depicting one of the main body halves with one
slip segment removed, and one slip segment shown in the non-engaged
position (not compressing the spring) for purposes of
illustration.
[0053] FIG. 22 depicts a cross sectional view taken along lines G-G
of FIG. 21.
[0054] FIG. 22A depicts enlarged Detail 22A taken from FIG. 22.
[0055] FIG. 23 depicts a top partial cut-away view of the exemplary
elevator of FIG. 11 depicting one of the main body halves with one
slip segment removed, and one slip segment shown in the engaged
position (compressing the spring) for purposes of illustration.
[0056] FIG. 24 depicts a cross sectional view taken along lines H-H
of FIG. 23.
[0057] FIG. 24A depicts enlarged Detail 24A taken from FIG. 24.
[0058] FIG. 25 depicts a top partial cut-away view of the exemplary
elevator of FIG. 11 depicting one of the main body halves with one
slip segment removed, and one springless push-pull slip segment
shown in the engaged position for purposes of illustration of
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 26 depicts a cross sectional view taken along lines I-I
of FIG. 25.
[0060] FIG. 26A depicts enlarged Detail 26A taken from FIG. 26.
[0061] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a multi-actuator
mechanism (shown here as a dual actuator mechanism) according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0062] FIG. 28 depicts a back perspective view of the actuator
mechanism of FIG. 27.
[0063] FIG. 29 is a front, exploded perspective view of a
multi-actuator mechanism (shown here as a dual actuator mechanism)
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0064] FIG. 30 depicts a front plan view of the actuator mechanism
of FIG. 27.
[0065] FIG. 31 depicts a back plan view of the actuator mechanism
of FIG. 27.
[0066] FIG. 32 depicts a top plan view of the actuator device of
FIG. 27.
[0067] FIG. 33 depicts a bottom plan view of the actuator device of
FIG. 27.
[0068] FIG. 34 depicts a left side plan view of the actuator
mechanism of FIG. 27.
[0069] FIG. 35 depicts a right side plan view of the actuator
mechanism of FIG. 27.
[0070] FIG. 36 depicts a top partial cut-away view of the exemplary
elevator of FIG. 11 depicting one of the main body halves with one
slip segment removed, and one spring-assisted push-pull slip
segment shown pulled up into the disengaged position for purposes
of illustration of another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0071] FIG. 37 depicts a cross sectional view taken along lines J-J
of FIG. 36.
[0072] FIG. 37A depicts an enlarged Detail 37A taken from FIG. 37
to illustrate the use of springs to provide fail-safe positive
downward force on the slip.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0073] One embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to an
improved actuator mechanism 10 for use, e.g., in actuating the
slips on a slip-type well drilling elevator 200. Referring to FIGS.
1-10 there is shown an exemplary single actuator mechanism 10
generally comprising: an outer housing 11, an outer housing lower
edge 12, an actuator mount 13, actuator mount apertures 13a for
attaching the mount 13 to an actuator mechanism mounting plate 14.
If desired to increase the height of the underside of the housing
12 from the mounting plate bottom surface 15, a mounting plate rise
14a can be employed. In this embodiment, the mounting plate further
comprises mounting plate bolt holes 16 for mounting the actuator
mechanism onto an elevator device 200. The actuator mechanism 10
further comprises an actuator device 19 maintained within the
housing. Bolts 23 or the like can be employed to attach the
actuator device 19 within the housing 11. The bolts can pass
through apertures 23a and the secure to receiving nuts 23b or the
like. In one embodiment, the actuator drives a
retractable/extendable cylinder 20 downwardly toward the surface to
be actuated. In this embodiment, the cylinder 20 further comprises
at its distal end a cylinder push member 21 for exerting a force
from the actuator onto an object. In another embodiment, the tip of
the actuator push member 21 further comprises a push point 22 to
provide a point source of force rather than a wide source of
force.
[0074] In one embodiment, the actuator mechanism extendable
cylinder 20 is activated pneumatically. In this embodiment, a
pressure source (e.g., pressurized air) is fed to the actuator
mechanism through a suitable conduit/hose (not shown) and connected
to the control line input 18 of the actuator mechanism. In this
embodiment, there is also preferably a control panel (not shown)
providing the operator with the ability to control the pressure of
the pressurized air entering the actuator mechanism, and to also
control when the pressure is to be applied (to extend the cylinder
20) or disengaged (where there is no air pressure attempting to
move the cylinder to its extended position). Exemplary air
actuators are available from Fabco Air (Houston, Tex.), and can
operate in a number of ways, such as single action, single action
spring return, or dual action extension and return.
[0075] In another embodiment the actuator mechanism is activated
hydraulically and would similarly have a pressurized hydraulic
fluid introduced into the actuator mechanism inlet (18) via conduit
(not shown), where the flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid is
preferably controlled by a control panel (not shown).
[0076] In another embodiment, the actuator mechanism is activated
mechanically, e.g., by operation of an electrical motor (not
shown). The actuator mechanism could also be activated by operation
of magnetic fields.
[0077] The actuator housing could also be integrated directly into
the mounting plate.
[0078] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate one example type of slip style
elevator device 200 that can employ the single-, or multi-actuator
mechanisms 10, 110 described herein. Slip type elevators are well
known in the art and generally comprise a two piece main body 202
attached by a hinge, handles 204, and link blocks 206. The elevator
200 also comprises a central bore containing slip segments 208. The
slip segments have an inner gripping surface 210. The objects to be
held by the slips pass through the elevator central slip bore
212.
[0079] Referring also to FIGS. 13-26A, as will be appreciated, the
actuator mechanism 10, 110 can be mounted on the elevator 200 in a
fashion that permits the action of the actuator device to cause the
slip segments 208 to be moved into engaging contact with the outer
diameter 8 of the object located within the elevator central slip
bore 212.
[0080] For example, referring specifically to FIGS. 16-22A there
are depicted elevator slip segments 208 in their non-engaged
positions. Here, the actuator mechanism 10 has been mounted on the
outer perimeter of the elevator bore in a fashion that does not
permit any of the actuator mechanism to extend into the elevator
central slip bore 212. In this embodiment, two of the slip segment
guide pins 214 also serve as the bolts for bolting the actuator
mechanism 10 to the top of the elevator through the actuator
mechanism bolt holes 16. In this embodiment, the actuator device
mounting plate 14 is arc-shaped so that the lower surface 15 can
mate easily with the upper surface of the elevator. However, other
mounting configurations are possible. In operation, the actuator
mechanism is mounted on the elevator proximate the top of the slip
segments. The actuator extendable cylinder 20 is capable of moving
the actuator cylinder push member 21 into contact with the top
surface of a slip segment 208 (or the top surface of a slip setting
plate 216). The actuator cylinder or piston 20 can then contact
this slip actuation point to urge the slip into its engaged
position. In this embodiment, a slip setting plate 208 is employed
to tie together the movement of the slips, and the actuator
cylinder push member 21 is aligned to press down onto the top
surface of the setting plate 208, in which case, a single slip
actuation point can serve to move multiple slips.
[0081] Typically, as is known in the art, the individual slip
segments are interlocked together along their respective vertical
edges in an interlocking channel (not shown). The interlock channel
provides spacing between the vertical edges of the slip segments so
that as the slip segments are urged into their downward/inward
engaged positions, the slips will have sufficient downward and
inward movement to grippingly engage the object. The interlock
channels can also assist in urging adjacent slip members to move
downward and inward as the adjacent slip member is moved downward.
Likewise, use of a slip segment setting plate 216 can also be used
to assist in moving multiple slip segments at the same time.
[0082] FIGS. 21-22A depict a typical spring-loaded slip 208 having
at least one slip tab stop 220 in spaced relationship from a
mechanical elevator slip stop 221. As will be understood, the slip
is mounted about the slip guide pin or bolt 214 in a fashion that
permits the slip to move upward and downward along the pin 214. A
spring 218 is retained about the pin 214 and sits in a spring
channel 222. As the slip 208 is moved downward along the pin 214,
the spring 218 is compressed between upper slip spring stop 220 and
the bottom of the spring retention channel 223.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15 and 23-24A there are depicted
elevator slip segments 208 in engaged positions against the outer
diameter 8 of the object 6 to be held by the elevator 200. The
operator of the actuator will engage the actuator device 19 to urge
the actuator cylinder 20 to extend outward (here, downward) to
cause the push member to push downward on the top of the slip 208
or as depicted here, the top of the slip setting plate 216. As the
slip segments 208 are moved downward, the slip springs 218 are
compressed between, e.g., the bottom of spring retention channel
223 and the underside of slip spring stop 220. In one embodiment,
the tip of the actuator push member 21 further comprises a push
point 22 to provide a point source of force rather than a wide
source of force to permit pushing the slip members downward along a
path that is not axial with the path of the cylinder 20. Once the
slip segments are moved into engaged position, the slip gripping
surfaces 210 then contact and grip the outer surface 8 of the
object 6 to be held. The object 6 is then held by the slip gripping
surface 210 for the desired length of time. To release the object
from the grip of the slips 208, the operator disengages the
actuator drive 19 to remove the motive force exerted downward on
the actuator cylinder 20. In some actuator devices 19, there exists
a spring to push the cylinder back to its retracted position. In
other actuator devices 19, there is a mechanism that drives the
cylinder in both directions, in which case, the operator would move
the cylinder by engaging actuator 19 to either operate in the
extension or retraction direction. Once the cylinder 20 is
retracted, in the typical elevator that employs spring-mounted slip
segments 208, the slip segments 208 will be urged back to their
original disengaged positions by virtue of the action of the
compressed springs 218 pushing the slips back upward. The force of
the springs can also cause the upward movement of the slips 208 to
push the cylinder 21 back into its housing.
[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 25-26A, there is depicted another
elevator slip segment arrangement (similar to that in the previous
Figures). However, in this embodiment, the slip segments 208 are
not spring loaded. Instead, the cylinder 20 of the actuator device
19 is directly connected to the top of the slip segment 208 or slip
setting plate 216 via a hinged and/or swivel connection generally
depicted here as the tab 224 fixed to the top of the slip or slip
setting plate and provided with an attachment point 226 for
attaching to the distal end of the cylinder 20. As will be
understood by those having the benefit of the present disclosure,
the method of attachment of the actuator piston mechanism 20 to the
slip attachment point 226 may be achieved in any number of ways
known in the art, including, swivel connections, hinged
connections, ball connections, fixed connections, rigid connections
and flexible connections. In this embodiment, the actuator drive 19
is designed to push the cylinder 20 downward to engage the slips
208 against the outer surface 8 of the object 6 to be held, and to
pull the cylinder 20 back upward to disengage the slips 208. This
push-pull configuration can be achieved with any number of actuator
drive mechanisms 19 suitably coupled to the slips or slip setting
plate. For example, and without limitation, the push-pull actuator
could be a hydraulically or pneumatically driven system move the
slip between its disengaged and engaged positions. Additionally,
the push-pull actuator could be mechanically or magnetically
driven. In one example, the actuator is electrically driven, such
as by an electric motor with screw drive assembly, or via a
solenoid mechanism. Although this embodiment describes pushing the
slips into their engaged positions, and pulling the slips back to
their original position, other configurations are possible such as
a pull-push configuration where the slips are pulled into their
engaged positions and are pushed back to their disengaged
positions.
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 36-37A, there is shown another
push-pull embodiment similar to that described in connection with
FIGS. 25-26A, modified to include slip springs 218a positioned
along slip guide pin 214 between spring/slip stop 220a and the top
223a of spring retention channel 222 (also referred to as the
elevator slip stop 221) to provide pre-loaded constant downward
positive force on the slip 208a so that the slip is always urged
towards its engaged position. This downward spring force augments
the downward force provided by the push-pull actuator mechanism
(e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical actuators). In addition
to the force of spring 218a providing downward push force
assistance to the actuator, it also serves as a fail-safe in the
event of a failure of the actuator to hold the slip in the downward
position. This fail-safe mechanism guards against the unexpected
release of the tubing or other object 6 being held by the slips in
the elevator in the event of an actuator failure. For example, if a
hydraulic or pneumatic hydraulic fluid or air-line to the actuator
is accidently cut, or there is a power failure with an electrical
actuator, the downward spring force will maintain the slips in
their engaged position. In this embodiment, the actuator is
designed with sufficient pulling force to pull the slip back
upwards to its disengaged position against the force of the spring
218a.
[0086] Although the above-described embodiments depict just one
actuator drive 19 (housed in housing 11) being employed, it will be
appreciated that multiple actuator drives 19 could be employed in
similar fashion to provide the desired total downward pushing force
required to move the slip segments. An exemplary multi-actuator
actuator mechanism is depicted in FIGS. 27-35 discussed below.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 27-35, there is shown an exemplary
multi-actuator, actuator mechanism 110. The actuator devices 19 are
similar to those previously described, and also fit within similar
housing 111. In this embodiment, the actuator device 19 is secured
within the housing 111 by use of a retention ring 112. The housing
also comprises a housing mount 113 for mounting the actuator device
to a mounting plate 114. The housing 111 could also be integral, or
of unitary construction, with the mounting plate 114. The underside
of the mounting plate 115 can be mated with a mounting surface
proximate the elevator central bore (not shown). In this particular
embodiment, the mounting plate may also be elevated to a desired
height by employing mounting plate height spacers 114c, here, shown
as cylindrical tubes that sit beneath the bolt holes 116. In this
embodiment, there are shown two actuator devices 19 being mounted
in space relationship from each other. In this embodiment, the
respective actuator devices can deploy extendable cylinders 20 to
contact and push upon the top surfaces of the slip segments or slip
setting plate. The use of multiple actuators can provide for the
additional force that may be required to push the slips downward
into engaged position.
[0088] As will be understood by those having the benefit of the
present disclosure, each actuator mechanism will be remotely
controllable by a well operator. For example, each actuator
mechanism will be tied into an actuator control line input 18. In
the pneumatic actuator device embodiments, a pneumatic hose (not
shown) will be connected to the actuator device(s) 19 via this
control line input 18. The pneumatic line will extend to a control
box (not shown) where an operator can control the engagement and
disengagement of the actuator and control the air pressure into the
line. In one embodiment, the source of pneumatic pressure is
provided onsite by the wellbore pressure and is passed through a
pressure regulator to permit regulation of the pressure. In similar
fashion, in the hydraulic actuator device embodiments, a hydraulic
hose (not shown) will be connected to the actuator device(s) 19 via
this control line input 18. The hydraulic line will extend to a
control box (not shown) where an operator can control the
engagement of the actuator and control the fluid pressure into the
line. Likewise, where operational conditions permit, the actuator
device can be mechanical and be driven electrically by feeding a
source of electricity to the actuator device 19 via the control
line input 18.
[0089] It will also be understood by those having the benefit of
the present disclosure that other embodiments are possible within
the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example,
although the above embodiments have illustrated an actuator
mechanism 10, 110 being a separate device attachable about the top
edge of the elevator central bore, other attachment configurations
are possible. For example, the actuator mechanism could be mounted
on the outside face of the elevator body 202 and configured to
orient a push cylinder 20 in position to push downwardly on the
slip segments or slip setting plate.
[0090] The actuator housing could also be integrated directly into
the mounting plate.
[0091] Alternatively, although the actuator mechanism has been
described as a device that is separately connectable to the
elevator, it will also be understood by those having the benefit of
the present disclosure that the actuation mechanism could be built
into the elevator itself. For example, the actuator device(s) could
be built into the main wall of the actuator and have cylinder
member(s) oriented to direct the movement of the slip segments.
[0092] Also, although the Figures depict an elevator 200 employing
a setting plate, the slips can be moved directly via the action of
the actuator without the need for a setting plate.
[0093] The actuator device of the present disclosure provides a
fail-safe mechanism for securing the object in the central slip
bore. Even in the event of a mechanical slipping of the pipe (as
may be caused by sudden weight lode being exerted on the tubing
string), even if the pipe string bounces upward, the slips will be
temporarily disengaged when the upward force pushes the slips back
into their disengaged positions, but when the pipe then heads back
downward, the slips will automatically engage and again grip the
pipe thereby preventing the pipe from being lost down the well.
[0094] All references referred to herein are incorporated herein by
reference. While the apparatus, systems and methods of this
invention have been described in terms of preferred or illustrative
embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
variations may be applied to the process and system described
herein without departing from the concept and scope of the
invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent
to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and
concept of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the method and apparatus of the present invention has many
applications, and that the present invention is not limited to the
representative examples disclosed herein. Moreover, the scope of
the present invention covers conventionally known variations and
modifications to the system components described herein, as would
be known by those skilled in the art.
* * * * *