RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of United States Patent Application Serial
Number
10/315,617 having a filing date of December 10, 2002 and is related to United States Patent
Application titled Control Line Guide and Method of Using Same, Serial Number
10/995,905 having a filing date of November 24, 2004.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to running control lines and tubular strings into
wellbores. More specifically, the present invention relates to protecting and manipulating
control lines as they are attached to and inserted into wellbores with tubular strings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference
should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference
numbers.
FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevated view of an embodiment of a control line manipulator
according to the present invention;
FIG. 1A illustrates an expanded side, elevated view of the control line manipulator
according to FIG. 1, showing more of the derrick and the control line path;
FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of a floor mounted embodiment of a control line
manipulator according to the present invention;
FIG. 2A illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 2 in a different operational position;
FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevated view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 according
to the present invention;
FIG. 3A illustrates a side elevated view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A
according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates an elevated pictorial, isometric view of a guide head of a control
line manipulator according to the present invention;
FIG. 4A illustrates an elevated, side view of the guide head of a control line manipulator
illustrated in FIG. 4 according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a floor mounted
embodiment of a control line manipulator according to the present invention;
FIG. 5A illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 5 in a different operational position;
FIG. 6 illustrates an elevated, side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;
FIG. 6A illustrates an elevated, side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of a spider configured with a passage for control
lines according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates an elevated section of the embodiment of FIG. 7 showing an embodiment
of a control line protector and enclosure according to the present invention;
FIG. 9 illustrates a elevated, side view of an embodiment of a control line enclosure
configured for a spider according to the present invention;
FIG.10 illustrates a top plan view, partly in cross section, of the device of FIG.
9 in the open position according to the present invention;
FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 10 in an enclosing position according to
the present invention;
FIG. 12 illustrates a side, sectional view of a flap cover type of protector according
to the present invention;
FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of the flap cover type of protector according
to FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 illustrates a top plan view of a pivoting plate form of control line enclosure
according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 illustrates a sectional side view of a pivoting plate form of control line
enclosure according to FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 illustrates a general schematic view for automatic sequencing of the system
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is well known in drilling operations, including in the use of oilfield tubulars,
that the tubulars are normally added one tubular at a time. Together, these tubulars
are typically referred to as a tubular string. The tubulars are normally lifted and
manipulated by an elevator which raises and lowers the tubulars and/or the tubular
string. This operation further typically utilizes a spider which may be located on
the rig floor, beneath the rig floor, or flush with the rig floor for holding the
tubular string in place. Above the spider, normal operations may include various sets
of tongs and/or other devices for manipulating the tubulars or the tubular string.
The spider may include several different sets of slips for gripping the tubular or
the tubular string and holding it in place.
[0005] Control lines may be operable downhole, on the rig floor, or in other areas. They
are typically used to manipulate or operate control devices. Such lines may be encased
in coiled tubing or other protective enclosures. They may include pressure hoses or
any other type of lines or conduits. Such control lines may carry electrical signals,
hydraulic and/or pneumatic fluids, chemicals or even gases, and are normally attached
to the tubular strings and lowered into the wellbore by normally feeding the control
line from a reel or other source. The control lines may be fed to the drilling rig
through a sheave, a roller, or other guiding device which contacts the control lines
above the spider.
[0006] FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate the relationships between the tubular string 7, the control
line 4, a control line manipulating arm 3, according to the present invention, and
the derrick 1. In this embodiment, one or more control lines 4 are fed to the derrick
from a control line reel or other source 6 and typically pass through a control line
sheave 5, which may be positioned and attached to the rig high enough above the rig
floor so as not to interfere with any other rig operations. It should be appreciated
that the control line 4 may be a plurality of control lines. For convenience and clarity,
the control line 4 will be described herein below in a singular form, but such description
should not be viewed as limiting, since a plurality of control lines 4 is well within
the scope of the invention described herein. It should further be appreciated, by
those in the art, that as the control line 4 is manipulated by the manipulator arm
3, the control line 4 shall follow different paths. For the purposes of clarity, when
the manipulator arm 3 is in a retracted position, control line 4 will follow the path
designated by the numeral 10. When the manipulator arm is in the extended position,
such that the control line 4 is positioned near the tubular string 7, the path followed
by the control line 4 is designated as 10'. For further clarity, control line 4 will
be designated as 4' when following path 10'. Typically, tubular string 7 is manipulated
by elevator 26, which raises and lowers tubular string 7 into and out of the wellbore
through the use of a traveling block and associated hook, well known in the art.
[0007] FIG. 1 further illustrates a spider 12, which may be a conventional spider that is
mounted below the rig floor 2 or flush mounted with the rig floor 2 or may be any
other gripping device which can hold the tubular string 7 in place. Preferably, after
a new section of tubular has been connected to tubular string 7 via connector or collar
7a, the manipulator arm 3 is extended, preferably by a telescoping action, and pushes
control line 4 into path 10'. Preferably, manipulator arm 3 will extend far enough
that control line 4' in path 10' is positioned very close to the tubular string 7.
Preferably, the control line 4' will be attached by a clamp 18 or other device to
the tubular string 7. Such attachment of the control line 4' to the tubular string
7 may preferably be above spider 12 or may be below spider 12. After the control line
4' has been attached to the tubular string 7, elevator 26 will then begin lowering
tubular string 7 into the wellbore, along with the attached control line 4'. As the
elevator 26 continues its descent, the manipulator arm 3 will begin retracting and
will move control line 4' into the position of control line 4 and following path10.
Thus, by the time the elevator 26 reaches a position near the rig floor 2, the manipulator
arm 3 will preferably have retracted and will have moved control line 4 out of the
path of elevator 26, thus preventing any contact and damage to the control line 4
by elevator 26. FIG. 1 also illustrates an optional guide 12a. Optional guide 12a
is preferably mounted onto spider 12 and may comprise a set of rollers or may be another
type of smooth surface which allows sliding contact between the control line 4 and
the guide 12a. Preferably, the optional guide 12a provides a smooth transition for
control line 4 as it passes through spider 12.
[0008] The manipulator arm 3 is preferably mounted on the beam 1a on the derrick 1. Preferably,
the manipulator arm 3 is mounted at a convenient height such as to allow personnel
to conduct work below the manipulator arm 3. Preferably, the manipulator arm 3 is
detachably mounted to the derrick in a conventional manner. It should be appreciated
that the mounting of the manipulator arm 3 can also include swivel connections which
would allow the arm to be moved or folded out of the way when not in use. It should
be further appreciated that when manipulator arm 3 is mounted to the derrick, typically
a rig specific mounting bracket may be designed such as to mount the manipulator arm
3 generally in the same plane vertical as the control sheave 5.
[0009] Referring still to FIG. 1 for a more detailed view of the manipulator arm 3, the
arm 3 preferably comprises a guide head 8, at least one hydraulic cylinder 9, and
a telescoping beam 11. The telescoping beam.11 allows the guide head 8 to move the
control line 4 in a direction towards the tubular string 7 and away from the tubular
string 7 as desired or necessary. It should be understood that the guide head 8 is
preferably rigidly attached to the telescoping beam 11. However, in other embodiments,
the guide head 8 may be capable of swiveling either hydraulically or as required by
the tension of the control lines 4. The stroke length of the telescoping beam is preferably
in a range of 48". However, it should be appreciated that the stroke length of the
telescoping beam 11 may vary as necessary due to rig design or rig space capabilities.
Still further, the stroke length of the telescoping beam 11 should be such that when
in the retracted position, the guide head 8 has moved far enough away from the tubular
string 7 to avoid any interference with the elevator 26 or any other moving parts
of the rig system. When in the extended position, the telescoping beam 11 should position
the guide head 8 in close proximity to the tubular string 7. Preferably, hydraulic
cylinder 9, which controls the extension and retraction of telescoping beam 11, is
hydraulically actuated from a remote console (not shown). However, it should be understood
that the control of the hydraulic cylinder 9 may be a variety of means, including
pneumatic actuation, hydraulic actuation, electric actuation, any combination of these,
as well as any other conventional means. It should be further understood that the
hydraulic cylinder 9 may be controlled with a hand-held remote control, as well as
the remote console, not illustrated, but which can be located, as desired, on or near
the rig floor 2.
[0010] It should be appreciated that some rigs or derricks have limited space and may not
have room for the mounting of the manipulator arm 3 on a beam such as the beam 1a.
Another embodiment of the mounting of the manipulator arm 3 would preferably comprise
a floor mounted manipulator arm designated as 103, and illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A,
3, and 3A. The floor mounted arm 103 is preferably pinned to an adapter plate 15 but
may also be attached by other conventional methods. The adapter plate 15 may be mounted
to the spider 12, such as by attachment pad eyes 16. It should be appreciated that
the adapter plate 15 may be mounted to the rig floor 2 or other convenient position.
Preferably, this mounting method allows for the manipulator arm 103 to be mounted
to a variety of different types of spiders. -
[0011] As further illustrated by FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, and 3A, the manipulator arm 103 is preferably
supported by a substantially vertical column 17. Preferably, the manipulator arm 103
mounting includes pin connections such that the manipulator arm 103 could be raised
or lowered into a stowed position when not in use, thus, not blocking the limited
space in the derrick work area. It should be appreciated that manipulator arm 103
is mounted such as to be in substantially the same vertical plane as the control sheave
5. The vertical column 17 may be attached to the adapter plate 15 in a variety of
conventional ways, for example by welding or by the use of conventional fasteners
such as threaded nuts and bolts. The attachment is preferably detachable so as to
allow relatively easy assembly and disassembly of the structure. The vertical column
17 may also be pivotally mounted to allow the column 17 and the manipulator arm 103
to be tilted further out of the way of rig operations. Further, vertical column 17
may comprise a telescoping assembly to allow for the vertical adjustment of the manipulator
arm 103. Still further, vertical column 17 may be mounted so as to swivel or rotate
relative to the mounting plate 15. FIG. 3A also illustrates the control line clamp
18 which, as discussed herein above, may be installed above the spider 12, as shown
here, or below the spider 12. It should be appreciated that FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate
a top view and side view respectively when the manipulator arm 103 is in the retracted
position. Similarly, FIGS. 2A and 3A illustrate top and side views respectively when
the manipulator arm 103 is in the extended position.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the guide head 8. Guide head 8 is preferably
attached to the telescoping beam 11 opposite the attachment of the beam 11 to the
derrick or attachment to the vertical beam 17. The guide head 8 preferably captures
the control line 4 and allows for the manipulation of the control line 4 by the movement
of the manipulator arm 3,103. Preferably, guide head 8 comprises a main body 31, which
may be attached to the telescoping beam 11 and a door section 32 which may be pivotally
mounted on the body section 31. Preferably, the body section 31 further comprises
a set of rollers 33 and the door section 32 further comprises a set of rollers 33a.
It should be appreciated that the rollers 33, 33a can be a variety of type of guides,
including smooth surfaces or a variety of number and size of rollers. Preferably,
the rollers 33, 33a are of a material that does not damage the control line 4. Preferably,
control line 4 is inserted into the control head 8 between the body section 31, and
the door section 32. With the door section 32 in the closed position, the control
line 4 is captured within the guide head 8 and may then be manipulated when the manipulator
arm 3 extends or retracts. The rollers 33, 33a allow for the control line 4 to easily
move through the control head 8 in a substantially unimpeded manner as the manipulator
arm 3 is extended or retracted.
[0013] The guide head 8 may comprise other rollers or guides mounted on the outside of the
main body 31 or the door section 32. FIG. 4 illustrates such rollers 34 which are
mounted on the top of control head 8 and in a direction substantially perpendicular
to rollers 33, 33a. FIG. 4A illustrates a roller 35 mounted on the outside of door
section 32. Rollers 34 provide a guide for control line 4 when such control line 4
is positioned along the inner sides of the guide head 8. The roller 35 may be used
for guiding the control line 4 when the control line 4 is not captured inside the
guide head 8. Further, roller 35 may also be used as a pipe-stop roller to indicate
when the guide head 8 has extended to a position proximate to tubular string 7. It
should be appreciated that other rollers, guides or stops may be mounted in a variety
of positions in or about the guide head 8. These rollers, guides, or stops will preferably
facilitate the operation and functionality of the guide head 8. It should be further
understood that although rollers are the preferred method of guidance in the guide
head 8, other types of guides can be used to facilitate the efficient and damage-free
movement of the control line 4 through or near the guide head 8. It should be understood
that although the preferred embodiment of the control head 8 includes the body section
31 and the door section 32. The guide head 8 may be operated in an embodiment containing
only the main body 31. In such an embodiment, control line 4 would only be in contact
with one set of rollers on the main body section 31. It should still further be appreciated
that rollers, such as roller 35, may be used to indicate position or travel limitations.
As such, the rollers may further comprise or be replaced by position indication devices,
such as but not limited to, limit switches, proximity probes, or other sensors.
[0014] The pivotally mounted door section 32 is preferably pneumatically actuated to open
and close. It should be understood that the door section 32 can also be actuated in
a variety of other ways, including but not limited to, hydraulic, pneumatic, electric,
or any combination thereof. The actuation of the door section 32 can also be operated
from a remote console or a hand-held remote control. It should be appreciated that
the remote console or the hand-held controller may be conventional actuation controllers
and are therefore not described in detail herein. Preferably, in operation, the pivotally
mounted door section 32 is opened and the control line 4 is placed inside the guide
head 8. The pivotally mounted door section 32 can then be actuated to the closed position.
After the control line 4 is captured in the guide head 8, the control line 4 will
preferably run on the two sets of rollers 33, 33a in the body 31 and in the door section
32, respectively. Preferably, the control line 4 will move along one set of the rollers
33 when the manipulator arm 3 is moving the control line 4 in proximity to the tubular
string 7 and along the other set of rollers 33a when the manipulator arm 3 is retracting.
It should be understood that as the manipulator arm 3 moves the control line 4 in
proximity to the tubular string 7, the control line 4 is being pushed by the body
31 mounted rollers 33. Likewise, as the manipulator arm 3 retracts or moves the control
line 4 in a direction away from the tubular string 7, the control line 4 is being
pushed by the door 32 mounted rollers 33a. Although some contention may be made that
when the manipulator arm 3 is retracting or moving the control line 4 in a direction
away from the tubular string 7, the control line 4 is actually being pulled, this
is an issue more of semantics and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope
of the invention or the appended claims herein. Preferably, the rollers 33, 33a or
other guide members placed inside the body 31 and/or the door section 32 will constitute
a curved profile so as to keep the bend radius of the control line 4 below the maximum
bend radius of the control line 4. FIG. 4A further illustrates the curvature 36 of
the rollers 33, 33a. Preferably, the angle of the control line 4 will depend on the
mounting height of the manipulator arm 3 and the mounting height of the control sheave
5 (FIG. 1A).
[0015] FIGS. 5, 5A, 6, and 6A illustrate an alternate embodiment of the manipulator arm
3 designated here as 25. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a top view and side view, respectively,
of the manipulator arm 25 in the retracted position. FIGS. 5A and 6A illustrate a
top view and side view, respectively, of the manipulator arm 25 in the extended position.
The guide head 8 is preferably attached to beam 25d and may move toward and away from
the tubular string 7. Beam 25d is actuated by cylinder 28 which preferably moves beam
25c. The beam 25b maintains a substantially parallel relationship between the beam
25d and adapter plate 15. It should be appreciated that beam 25d may further comprise
a telescoping member to provide for greater range of extension and retraction of the
guide head 8. Similarly, the substantially parallel beams 25c and 25b may also comprise
telescoping members to allow a greater range of vertical motion for the manipulator
arm 25.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of what is otherwise a conventional spider 12,
but which contains a passage 14 for the control line 4. The embodiment of the spider
12 illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises a set of slips 12b and a door 12d, which may be
hinged either by pin 12e or pin 12f, depending on which direction the door is to swing.
The spider 12 further comprises a set of slips 12b, which are shown engaged onto the
tubular string 7. Passage 14 is preferably a groove or channel which is cut into the
slip door 12d. As illustrated in FIG. 8, groove 14 further comprises a substantially
curved surface 13, which preferably alters the angle of descent of the control line
4 as it moves through the spider 12 and moves down into the wellbore with the tubular
string 7. It should be appreciated that the curved surface 13, in passage 14, is to
provide a smoother transition for the control line 4 as it moves through the spider
12. It should also be appreciated that although the passage 14 is shown with as a
semi-cylindrical channel, any of several configurations of the passage 14 may be acceptable
and should be considered within the scope of this invention. It should be appreciated
that the passage 14 may be cut or machined in a substantially vertical direction or
in a direction having some pre-determined angle on the inside surface of door 12d
or of the wall of the spider 12. The passage 14 should be substantially smooth to
avoid damage to the control line 4 and allow easy movement of the control line 4 therethrough.
If desired, passage 14 can have its own roller, or sets of rollers, to facilitate
the movement of the control line 4 through the spider 12. The passage 14 should be
configured in a position such that the control line 4 is moveable in a substantially
radial direction with respect to the spider 12 and the tubular string 7. It should
be appreciated, by those in the art, that spiders may be of various configurations
and that not all spiders comprise a door 12d or slips of the same configuration as
illustrated. It should be further appreciated that regardless of the configuration
of the slips 12b, the passage 14 is cut such that when the control line 4 is resting
in the groove in the passage 14, it does not interfere with the movement of the slips
12b as they move from the opened position to the closed position or as they move from
the closed position to the opened position. Still further, it should be appreciated
that the passage 14 does not have to be cut or machined in the door 12d of the spider
12. Passage 14 can be located at any part of the spider 12 such that passage 14 will
align with path 10' or path 10 (FIG. 1). In an embodiment with a spider 12 that has
no door 12d, the passage 14 may be cut or machined into the wall of the spider 12
in a manner substantially similar to that previously described regarding the door
12d.
[0017] Preferably, passage 14 is configured in such a manner as to contain control line
4 and keep it from moving inadvertently into the path of slips 12b. The containment
or confinement of the control line 4, within passage 14, may be accomplished by using
various latches or catches. These latches or catches may be automatically or manually
activated. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the passage 14 may not
require the confinement of the control line 4, and instead rely on the positioning
of the control line 4, against the back of the passage 14, to avoid interfering with
the spider 12 or the spider slips 12b.
[0018] An embodiment utilizing a latch or catch is illustrated in FIG. 8. Here, a latch
or catch is designated with the numeral 20 and is illustrated within passage 14. The
latch 20 may comprise a variety of configurations to secure the control line 4 within
the passage 14. The latch 20 may be integral with the spider 12 or may be a separate
device mounted within the control line passage 14 and in either case will preferably
contain the control line 4 while the control line 4 is passing through the spider
12. It should be understood that the function of the catch and of passage 14 is not
to restrict the longitudinal movement of the control line 4 relative to the tubular
string 7, but instead to restrict the radial movement of control line 4 such as to
prevent the control line 4 from interfering with the opening or closing movement of
the spider slips 12b.
[0019] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate one embodiment of the catch 20. In this embodiment, catch 20
comprises a rotatable drum 20j, which can be actuated automatically or manually. Preferably,
the catch 20 is configured so as to fit within the passage 14. It should be appreciated
that the interior passage 20a of the catch 20, is in a substantially concentric alignment
with passage 14, thus allowing for the passing of the control line 4. When actuated,
the rotatable drum 20j, rotates such that the catch 20 substantially encloses the
control line 4 (FIG. 11). The catch 20 further comprises frame members 20c which are
preferably attached at one end to a stationary base 20k and at the other end to drum
support members 20e. It should be appreciated that if the catch 20 is mounted or attached
to the spider door 12 or the spider wall, drum support members 20e may be directly
attached to the door or wall thus eliminating the need for the frame members 20c.
The drum 20j is preferably rotated by gear 20f which may in turn be actuated by a
pinion gear 20d. For the automatic rotational operation of the drum 20j, the pinion
gear 20d may be rotated by a motor, gear driver, or other available power source.
For manual rotational operation, the pinion gear 20d may be rotated by a hand or using
a handle, wrench, handwheel, or other manual rotational aid (not illustrated). Further,
for manual rotation, a handle, or the like, may be directly adapted to the drum 20j
thus eliminating the need for both gears 20d and 20f. FIG. 10 illustrates the open
position of the catch 20 wherein the control line 4 may pass through gap 20b. It should
be understood that the control line 4 will pass through gap 20b as the control line
4 moves between path 10 and path 10' (FIGS. 1 and 1A).
[0020] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of the catch 120. This embodiment comprises
a flapper-type catch. Flapper assemblies 21 are substantially identical and are substantially
symmetrically disposed about the throughbore of the spider 12 (the bore through which
the tubular string 7 passes). The flaps preferably have openings 21f to accept the
tubular string 7 and openings 21e for confining the control line 4 in a path 10 through
the spider 12. Each flapper assembly 21 is preferably attached to the spider 12 by
brackets 21 b. The flappers 21 a are preferably hinge 22 mounted. It should be appreciated
that the flapper assemblies 21 may be mounted in a variety of conventional methods
and that the method of mounting or the mounting configuration should not be viewed
as a limitation but rather as being fully within the scope of the invention. Further,
the type or placement of the hinge as well as other functional manners of attaching
the flappers 21a should be viewed as being fully within the scope of this invention.
For manual operation, of the flapper assemblies 21, handles 21 d may be attached to
the flappers 21 a. For automatic operation, motors M may be used to rotate the pins
21c which are preferably attached to the flapper hinge 22. The motors M are preferably
conventional rotary motors and can be actuated through a conventional power means,
such as but not limited to, hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or a combination thereof.
[0021] FIGS.14 and 15 illustrate another alternate embodiment of the control line catch.
The control line catch 220 preferably comprise two substantially identical assemblies
140 which are substantially symmetrically disposed about the throughbore of the spider
12 (the bore through which the tubular string 7 passes). The catch assemblies 140
move substantially along a circumferential path and in a substantially horizontal
plane about the through bore of the spider 12 (the bore through which the tubular
string 7 passes).
[0022] The catch assemblies 140 preferably comprise two catch plates 40 which are attached
to the spider 12 by flange bolts 40c. The catch plates 40 each preferably comprise
slots 40b which allow the plates to rotate, in a substantially circumferential direction
to confine and release the control line 4. The catch plates 40 further comprise openings
40a, to accommodate the tubular string 7, and openings 40d to receive and confine
the control line 4. It should be understood that the attachment and configuration
of the catch assemblies 140 may be easily varied and the description provided herein
should not be viewed as limiting as such varied methods of attachment and varied configurations
are within the scope of the present invention.
[0023] The catch assemblies 140 may be operated either automatically or manually. For manual
operation, handles 40e are attached, in a conventional manner, to catch plates 40.
For the automated operation of the catch assemblies 140, motors M2 may be utilized.
Motors M2 are conventional rotation capable motors and are typically powered by rig
available power. Motors M2 may comprise a motor driven gear 41, a roller drive, or
other motor driven device which can contact and rotate the catch plates 40. It should
be appreciated that the motor gear 41 may also be utilized with the manual operation
upon the adaptation of a handle, wheel, or similar device capable of rotating gear
41.
[0024] FIG. 15 further illustrates the utilization of a second catch 20. It should be appreciated
that more than one embodiment of the catch may be used to retain the position of the
control line 4 for the purposes of redundancy and/or safety.
[0025] It should be understood that the embodiments of the catches and the passage 14 described
hereinabove can be retrofitted into existing spiders of various configurations. The
installation of such retrofits would preferably be as described hereinabove. Because
the methods of retrofitting these embodiments, into existing spiders, would be known
to those skilled in the art, after viewing the embodiments described herein, a detailed
description of such adaptations will not be described in detail herein. It should
be further understood that the embodiments of passage 14 and the various catches described
herein are adaptable to other tubular gripping devices which may be used in lieu of
conventional spiders or in conjunction with conventional spiders and are fully enveloped
in the scope of the instant invention.
[0026] A preferred method of operation in utilizing the apparatus to guide and protect the
control line 4 may comprise the following steps starting with a tubular string 7 being
gripped by the elevator 26 before lowering the tubular string 7 into a wellbore. The
control line 4 is moved toward the tubular string 7 (i.e. into path 10') until the
control line 4 is in close proximity to the tubular string 7, and the control line
4 is attached to the tubular string by a clamp 18. The tubular string 7 and the attached
control line 4 are lowered into the wellbore. The control line 4 is then moved in
a direction away from the tubular string 7 (preferably to avoid contact with the now
lowering elevator 26)and into passage 14 to avoid any contact between the control
line 4 and spider slips 12b or other gripping apparatus as the slips or grips move
to a closed position to grip the tubular string 7. The spider slip 12b or other gripping
apparatus is then closed. The elevator slips or grips are opened, thus releasing the
tubular string 7 which is preferably supported by the spider 12 or other gripping
apparatus. The elevator 26 is moved to its upper position and a new tubular section
is added to the tubular string 7. The tubular string load is then transferred to the
elevator 26 and the spider slip 12b or other gripping apparatus is opened. After this
step, the steps repeat with again moving the control line 4 toward the tubular string
7 (i.e. into path 10') until the control line 4 is in close proximity to the tubular
string 7. It should be appreciated that this process continues until the tubular string
7 has been extended to a desired depth in the wellbore.
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic for automatic sequencing control. Lines 52, 53, 54,
and 55 conduct signals to and from the processor 56. The signals may include, but
are not limited to, actuation commands or position data. The processor 56 preferably
responds to the control 51 to actuate the main process functions in the proper sequence,
including, but not limited to, actuating the manipulator arm cylinder 9, actuating
a catch 20, or actuating the spider slips 50.
[0028] In some rig operations, the spider slips 12b may be controlled by other sequencing
controls. In this case the processor 56 is preferably adapted to prevent interference
with any other sequencing controller. Typically, the primary concern is that the spider
slips 12b must not open when the elevator 26 is not gripping the tubular string 7.
Therefore, opening of the spider slips 12b, by another sequencer, can be used to sequence
the opening of the catch 20. It should be appreciated that the utilization of the
catch 20, 120, 140, 220 are optional and not required for every embodiment of the
present invention. It should be further appreciated that manual embodiments of the
catch 20, 120, 140, 220 would not be responsive to process controllers accept that
some embodiments may comprise position indicators of such manual catch 20, 120, 140,
220 when desired. Such position indications are known in the art and thus are not
described in detail herein.
[0029] It should be further appreciated that when the spider slips 12b are controlled independent
of the manipulator arm 3, the speed of slip closure may be too fast for the proper
retraction and confinement of the control line 4. Therefore, the manipulator arm 3
may begin its retraction at some pre-determined position of the tubular string 7 such
as when the last added tubular joint is about half way through the spider 12. This
operation may also be necessary when the elevator 26 or other rig hardware, associated
with the tubular string 7 lowering, is in close proximity to the manipulator arm 3.
The closing of the catch 20 or other retention method of the control line 4, if such
an embodiment is present, may be started when the manipulator arm 3 has completed
its retraction and the control line 4 is now following path 10. The closure of the
spider slips 12b is sequenced and can only occur once the catches 20, 120, 140 or
220 have captured control line 4.
[0030] It is known in the art that the spider slips 12b and the elevator 26 may be interconnected
and such is more fully described in
U.S. Patents 5,791,410 (issued to Castille, et al.), and
5,909,768 (issued to Castille, et al) both of which are assigned to Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc., the assignee
of the instant invention . It should be appreciated that in such a configuration the
processor or controller, for the elevator 26/spider12 operation, can preferably be
set such that the spider slips 12b are actuated only after the control line 4 manipulation
has concluded.
[0031] It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and
may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. It may be seen from the preceding
description that a novel control line manipulation and control system has been provided.
Although specific examples may have been described and disclosed, the invention of
the instant application is considered to comprise and is intended to comprise any
equivalent structure and may be constructed in many different ways to function and
operate in the general manner as explained hereinbefore. Accordingly, it is noted
that the embodiments described herein in detail for exemplary purposes are of course
subject to many different variations in structure, design, application and methodology.
Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the
inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in
the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of
the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense.
1. An apparatus for manipulating at least one control line (4) to facilitate attachment
of at least one control line to an oilfield tubular string (7), as the tubular string
is being assembled for movement into a wellbore, the apparatus comprising a guide
head (8), said guide head being movable with respect to said tubular string to move
the at least one control line toward and away from the tubular string, the guide head
further comprising a main body (31) and a guide head door (32), the guide head door
being openable and closable with respect to the main body such that the at least one
control line may be positioned through the guide head, and wherein the main body (32)
and/or door (32) comprise guide members (33, 33a, 34).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises an arm
(3, 25, 103) having first and second ends, the guide head being disposed at or near
the first end of said arm.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first end of said arm (3, 103) is
telescopably moveable with respect to the second end of said arm.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said guide head (8) is fixedly disposed
at or near the first end of said arm (3, 25, 103).
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, including in addition thereto, at least one control
line (4) which can be manipulated by the movement of said guide head (8).
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the movement of said guide head (8) in
a first direction towards the tubular string (7) causes said at least one control
line (4) to move in one direction, and the movement of said guide head in a second
direction away from the tubular string causes said at least one control line to move
in a second direction.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guide head (8) has a first end and
a second end, and a channel passing between said first end and second end of said
guide head, through which channel said at least one control line (4) may pass.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said channel has at least one of said
guide members (33, 33a) in the form of a roller assembly (33, 33a, 34) mounted therein
to facilitate the movement of said at least one control line through said channel.
9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guide head (8) has at least one roller
assembly (35) on the exterior of said guide head, whereby movement of said guide head
towards the tubular string causes the at least one control line to be moved by said
at least one roller assembly in a direction towards the tubular string.
10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a first beam (25d) having first and second ends, the guide head being disposed at
or near the first end of said first beam; a first plate member (15) adapted to be
secured on or around a rig floor surrounding said wellbore; second and third beams
(25b, 25c) parallel to each other and each having first and second ends, each of said
first ends being pivotally connected to said first plate and each of said ends being
pivotally connected to said first beam, whereby the pivotal movement of said second
and third beams causes said first beam and said guide head to move towards or away
from any oilfield tubular being run into or out of said wellbore, said guide head
having a guide assembly positioned to push and/or pull against at least one control
line responsive to the movement of said control head.
11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide head door (32) is
pivotally mounted to the main body (31).
12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises
a pipe-stop guide (35) arranged to indicate when the guide head (8) is proximate to
the tubular string (7).
13. A method for moving at least one control line (4) being attached to a tubular string
(7) while both the control line and the tubular string are being installed into a
wellbore, the method comprising: providing the guide head (8) of any preceding claim;
opening the guide head door (32); positioning at least one control line through the
guide head (8); closing said guide head door; moving said at least one control line
to a position proximate the tubular string; attaching the control line to the tubular
string; lowering the tubular string and the attached control line into a wellbore;
and moving an upper end of said at least one control line in a direction away from
the tubular string.
1. Vorrichtung zur Handhabung von mindestens einer Steuerleitung (4), so dass die Befestigung
von mindestens einer Steuerleitung an einem Ölfeldrohrstrang (7) erleichtert wird,
wenn der Rohrstrang zum Absenken in ein Bohrloch zusammengebaut wird, wobei die Vorrichtung
folgendes umfasst: einen Führungskopf (8), der sich in Bezug auf den Rohrstrang bewegen
lässt, so dass er die mindestens eine Steuerleitung zum Rohrstrang hin oder von diesem
weg bewegt, wobei der Führungskopf zudem einen Hauptkörper (31) und eine Führungskopfluke
(32) umfasst, die sich in Bezug auf den Hauptkörper so öffnen und schließen lässt,
dass die mindestens eine Steuerleitung durch den Führungskopf positioniert werden
kann, und wobei der Hauptkörper (32) und/oder die Luke (32) die Führungsbauteile (33,
33a, 34) umfasst bzw. umfassen.
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, welche zudem einen Arm (3, 25, 103) mit ersten und zweiten
Enden umfasst, wobei der Führungskopf an oder nahe dem ersten Ende des Arms angeordnet
ist.
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei sich das erste Ende des Arms (3, 103) in Bezug
auf das zweite Ende des Arms teleskopartig bewegen lässt.
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei der Führungskopf (8) fest an oder nahe dem
ersten Ende des Arms (3, 25, 103) angeordnet ist.
5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, die zusätzlich dazu mindestens eine Steuerleitung (4)
aufweist, die sich durch die Bewegung des Führungskopfes (8) handhaben lässt.
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Bewegung des Führungskopfes (8) in einer ersten
Richtung zum Rohrstrang (7) bewirkt, dass sich mindestens eine Steuerleitung (4) in
einer Richtung bewegt, und die Bewegung des Führungskopfes in einer zweiten Richtung
weg vom Rohrstrang bewirkt, dass sich die mindestens eine Steuerleitung in einer zweiten
Richtung bewegt.
7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Führungskopf (8) ein erstes Ende und ein zweites
Ende sowie einen Kanal aufweist, der zwischen dem ersten Ende und dem zweiten Ende
des Führungskopfes verläuft, wobei die mindestens eine Steuerleitung (4) durch diesen
Kanal verlaufen kann.
8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, wobei der Kanal mindestens eines der Führungsbauteile
(33, 33a) in der Form einer Walzenanordnung (33, 33a, 34) aufweist, die darin befestigt
ist, damit sich die mindestens eine Steuerleitung leichter durch den Kanal bewegen
lässt.
9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Führungskopf (8) mindestens eine Walzenanordnung
(35) auf der Außenseite des Führungskopfes aufweist, wodurch die Bewegung des Führungskopfes
zu dem Rohrstrang es bewirkt, dass die mindestens eine Steuerleitung durch die mindestens
eine Walzenanordnung in einer Richtung zum Rohrstrang bewegt wird.
10. Vorrichtung nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Vorrichtung zudem umfasst:
einen ersten Träger (25d) mit ersten und zweiten Enden, wobei der Führungskopf an
oder nahe dem ersten Ende des ersten Trägers angeordnet ist; ein erstes Plattenbauteil
(15), das auf oder um eine Arbeitsbühne des Bohrturms befestigt ist und das Bohrloch
umgibt; zweite und dritte Träger (25b, 25c), die parallel zueinander sind und jeweils
erste und zweite Enden aufweisen, wobei die ersten Enden jeweils drehbar an der ersten
Platte befestigt sind, und die zweiten Enden jeweils drehbar an dem ersten Träger
befestigt sind, so dass sich der erste Träger und der Führungskopf aufgrund der Drehbewegung
der zweiten und dritten Träger zu einem Ölfeldrohr hin oder weg bewegen, das in das
Bohrloch eingelassen oder heraus geholt wird, wobei der Führungskopf eine Führungsanordnung
aufweist, die so positioniert ist, dass sie als Reaktion auf die Bewegung des Steuerkopfes
gegen mindestens eine Steuerleitung drückt oder sie zieht.
11. Vorrichtung nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Führungskopfluke (32) drehbar
am Hauptkörper (31) befestigt ist.
12. Vorrichtung nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Vorrichtung zudem eine Rohranschlagführung
(35) umfasst, die so angeordnet ist, dass sie anzeigt, wenn der Führungskopf (8) nächst
dem Rohrstrang (7) ist.
13. Verfahren zum Bewegen von mindestens einer Steuerleitung (4), die an einem Rohrstrang
(7) befestigt wird, während die Steuerleitung und der Rohrstrang in ein Bohrloch eingelassen
werden, wobei das Verfahren umfasst: Bereitstellen des Führungskopfes (8) nach einem
vorhergehenden Anspruch; Öffnen der Führungskopfluke (32); Positionieren von mindestens
einer Steuerleitung durch den Führungskopf (8); Schließen der Führungskopfluke; Bewegen
der mindestens einen Steuerleitung zu einer Position nächst dem Rohrstrang; Befestigen
der Steuerleitung an dem Rohrstrang; Absenken des Rohrstrangs und der befestigten
Steuerleitung in ein Bohrloch; und Bewegen eines oberen Endes der mindestens einen
Steuerleitung in einer Richtung weg von dem Rohrstrang.
1. Appareil pour manipuler au moins une ligne de commande (4) afin de faciliter la fixation
d'au moins une ligne de commande à un train de tiges de forage tubulaire (7) d'un
champ pétrolifère, lorsque le train de tiges de forage tubulaire est assemblé pour
se déplacer dans un puits foré, l'appareil comprenant une tête de guidage (8), ladite
tête de guidage étant mobile par rapport audit train de tiges de forage tubulaire
pour déplacer la au moins une ligne de commande vers et à distance du train de tiges
de forage tubulaire, la tête de guidage comprenant en outre un corps principal (31)
et une porte de tête de guidage (32), la porte de tête de guidage pouvant être ouverte
et fermée par rapport au corps principal de sorte que la au moins une ligne de commande
peut être positionnée à travers la tête de guidage, et dans lequel le corps principal
(32) et/ou la porte (32) comprennent des éléments de guidage (33, 33a, 34).
2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'appareil comprend en outre un bras
(3, 25, 103) ayant des première et seconde extrémités, la tête de guidage étant disposée
au niveau de ou à proximité de la première extrémité dudit bras.
3. Appareil selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la première extrémité dudit bras (3,
103) est mobile de manière télescopique par rapport à la seconde extrémité dudit bras.
4. Appareil selon la revendication 2 ou 3, dans lequel ladite tête de guidage (8) est
disposée de manière fixe au niveau de ou à proximité de la première extrémité dudit
bras (3, 25, 103).
5. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre, au moins une ligne de commande
(4) qui peut être manipulée par le mouvement de ladite tête de guidage (8).
6. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le mouvement de ladite tête de guidage
(8) dans une première direction vers le train de tiges de forage tubulaire (7) amène
ladite au moins une ligne de commande (4) à se déplacer dans une direction, et le
mouvement de ladite tête de guidage dans une seconde direction à distance du train
de tiges de forage tubulaire amène ladite au moins une ligne de commande à se déplacer
dans une seconde direction.
7. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la tête de guidage (8) a une première
extrémité et une seconde extrémité, et un canal passant entre ladite première extrémité
et ladite seconde extrémité de ladite tête de guidage, à travers lequel canal, ladite
au moins une ligne de commande (4) peut passer.
8. Appareil selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit canal a au moins l'un desdits
éléments de guidage (33, 33a) qui se présente sous la forme d'un ensemble à rouleaux
(33, 33a, 34) monté dans ce dernier, afin de faciliter le mouvement de ladite au moins
une ligne de commande à travers ledit canal.
9. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la tête de guidage (8) a au moins un
ensemble à rouleaux (35) sur l'extérieur de ladite tête de guidage, moyennant quoi
le mouvement de ladite tête de guidage vers le train de tiges de forage tubulaire
amène la au moins une ligne de commande à être déplacée par ledit au moins un ensemble
à rouleaux dans une direction allant vers le train de tiges de forage tubulaire.
10. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'appareil
comprend en outre : un premier balancier (25d) ayant des première et seconde extrémités,
la tête de guidage étant disposée au niveau de ou à proximité de la première extrémité
dudit premier balancier ; un premier élément de plaque (15) adapté pour être fixé
sur ou autour d'un plancher de forage entourant ledit puits foré ; des deuxième et
troisième balanciers (25b, 25c) parallèles entre eux et ayant chacun des première
et seconde extrémités, chacune desdites premières extrémités étant raccordée de manière
pivotante à ladite première plaque et chacune desdites extrémités étant raccordée
de manière pivotante audit premier balancier, moyennant quoi le mouvement pivotant
desdits deuxième et troisième balanciers amène ledit premier balancier et ladite tête
de guidage à se déplacer vers ou à distance de l'un quelconque des trains de tiges
de forage tubulaire de champ pétrolifère qui est monté dans ou à l'extérieur dudit
puits foré, ladite tête de guidage ayant un ensemble de guidage positionné pour pousser
et/ou tirer contre au moins une ligne de commande sensible au mouvement de ladite
tête de commande.
11. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la porte
de tête de guidage (32) est montée de manière pivotante sur le corps principal (31).
12. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'appareil
comprend en outre un guide de butée de tige (35) agencé pour indiquer le moment où
la tête de guidage (8) est à proximité du train de tiges de forage tubulaire (7).
13. Procédé pour déplacer au moins une ligne de commande (4) qui est fixée à un train
de tiges de forage tubulaire (7) alors que la ligne de commande et le train de tiges
de forage tubulaire sont installés dans un puits foré, le procédé comprenant les étapes
consistant à :
prévoir la tête de guidage (8) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes
; ouvrir la porte de tête de guidage (32) ; positionner la au moins une ligne de commande
à travers la tête de guidage (8) ; fermer ladite porte de tête de guidage ; déplacer
ladite au moins une ligne de commande dans une position à proximité du train de tiges
de forage tubulaire ; fixer la ligne de commande au train de tiges de forage tubulaire
; abaisser le train de tiges de forage tubulaire et la ligne de commande fixée dans
un puits foré ; et déplacer une extrémité supérieure de ladite ligne de commande dans
une direction à distance du train de tiges de forage tubulaire.