The present disclosure relates, in general, to reducing the application of a force by a first device on a second device, which force is due, at least in part, to the weight of the first device.
An actuator may be employed to reduce the application of a force by a first device on a second device, which force is due, at least in part, to the weight of the first device. According to one aspect, the first device may be a quill of a top drive, and the second device may be a tubular member that is part of a string of drill pipe or casing employed, or to be employed, in oil and gas exploration and production operations.
In some cases, it may be difficult to service or replace the actuator or other components associated therewith. Further, a bearing assembly associated with the actuator and used to support the first device may quickly wear out or otherwise be susceptible to failure. Still further, the operation of one or more control valves, which control the actuator, may require a constant supply of electrical power. Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus or method that addresses the foregoing issues, among others.
The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.
Referring to
As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate thrust bearing 14 is a solid state bushing, or a solid state bearing. In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate thrust bearing 14 includes or is bronze, steel, or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate thrust bearing 14 includes or is bronze, plastic, steel, a thermoset polymer, one or more other materials, or any combination thereof. It should be understood that the term plastic includes a wide array of polymeric and elastomeric materials, both natural and synthetic, such as natural rubber, polybutadiene polymer, polyethylene, and any combination thereof. In each case, the term combination is meant to include blends, alloys, composites, or any other type of combination of materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate thrust bearing 14 is formed of one or more component(s) that are softer than the material of a tubular (not shown in
In several exemplary embodiments, the actuator 22 is, includes, or is part of, a hydraulic actuator, an electromagnetic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a linear actuator, and/or any combination thereof.
Referring to
As shown in
A tubular component 38 is engaged with the adapter 34, and a clamping device 40 releasably connects the tubular component 38 to the adapter 34. More particularly, the tubular component 38 includes a lower end portion 38a having an external shoulder 38b. The tubular component 38 further includes an external threaded connection 38c adjacent the lower end portion 38a. The lower end portion 38a extends within the upper end portion of the adapter 34 so that the external shoulder 38b engages, or is at least proximate, the internal shoulder 34b; in an exemplary embodiment, an intermediate material is disposed between the external shoulder 38b and the internal shoulder 34b. The clamping device 40 extends circumferentially around respective portions of the adapter 34 and the tubular component 38. The clamping device 40 includes axially-spaced internal threaded connections 40a and 40b, which are threadably engaged with the external threaded connections 34c and 38c, respectively, thereby connecting the tubular component 38 to the adapter 34. In several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device 40 includes one or more split rings. In several exemplary embodiments, the tubular component 38 is, includes, or is part of, a quill of a top drive, and the structural member 28 is, includes, or is part of, a backup wrench (BUW) of the top drive. In an exemplary embodiment, the clamping device 40 is omitted, and the adapter 34 is combined with the tubular component 38 so that both the adapter 34 and the tubular component 38 (or at least features thereof) are part of a quill of a top drive. In an exemplary embodiment, the clamping device 40 and the adapter 34 are omitted, the tubular component 38 is a quill of a top drive, the tubular component 38 includes one or more of the features of the adapter 34, the tubular component 38 includes the annular thrust washer 36, and the tubular component 38 engages the apparatus 10 directly (rather than via the adapter 34). In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the adapter 34, the annular thrust washer 36, the tubular component 38, and the clamping device 40 are part of a quill of a top drive.
Referring to
Between the control valve 42 and the housing 22a, a pressure transducer 48 is in fluid communication with the hydraulic line 44. A reservoir 50 is in fluid communication with the control valve 42 via a tank line 52. A pressurized fluid source, such as a hydraulic power unit 54, is in fluid communication with the control valve 42 via a pressure line 56. Between the hydraulic power unit 54 and the control valve 42, an in-line filter 58 is in fluid communication with the pressure line 56. A pressure switch 60 is operably coupled to the filter 58.
A controller 62 is operably coupled to, and is adapted to control, at least the control valve 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the control valve 42 is either a single solenoid valve or a double solenoid valve, and the controller 62 is operably coupled to the solenoid(s). The controller 62 includes a computer processor 62a and a computer readable medium 62b operably coupled thereto. Instructions accessible to, and executable by, the computer processor 62a are stored on the computer readable medium 62b. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 62 may include one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs). In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 62 may include a plurality of controllers, the computer processor 62a may include a plurality of computer processors, and/or the computer readable medium 62b may include a plurality of computer readable mediums. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 62 may be located at a single location or distributed throughout a plurality of locations. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer readable medium 62b may include one or more databases and/or one or more data structures stored therein. In several exemplary embodiments, the computer processor 62a may include, for example, one or more of the following: a programmable general purpose controller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other controller devices, and/or any combination thereof.
In operation, referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, when the apparatus 10 is in the configuration shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, when the apparatus 10 is in the configuration shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, when the apparatus 10 is in the configuration shown in
During the suspension of the tubular assembly 32 and the structural member 28, and as necessary or desired, electrical power is supplied to the control valve 42, which, in turn, operates to cause the piston 22d to move upward, as viewed in
As shown in
To the extent that the tubular assembly 32 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 66 (i.e., relatively downward), the piston 22d, the rod 22b, the coupling block 24, the arm 16 (including the base 20 and the support 18), the bearing carrier 12, and the arcuate thrust bearing 14 also move, relative to each of the plate 26, the structural member 28, and the housing 22a, in the direction indicated by the arrow 66. The rod 22b retracts further into the housing 22a. The arcuate thrust bearing 14 continues to support the tubular assembly 32.
In response to permitting the tubular assembly 32 to move in the direction indicated by the arrow 66, a force is applied, in the direction indicated by the arrow 66, against a tubular member (not shown), which is spaced from the tubular assembly 32 in the direction indicated by the arrow 66. The force applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 66 is due, at least in part, to the weight of the tubular assembly 32 and the ability of the tubular assembly 32 to move relative to the structural member 28. The force applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 66 may also be due to additional components hanging below the tubular assembly 32.
To reduce the force applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 66, the control valve 42 selectively supplies fluid to the portion 22cb of the internal region 22c, thereby applying a force against the piston 22d in a direction indicated by an arrow 68 (i.e., relatively upwards), which is opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 66. The arm 16 and the coupling block 24 transfer to the rod 22b the force applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 66; however, this transferred force applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 66 is counteracted by the force applied against the pistons 22d in the direction indicated by the arrow 68.
In response to the force against the piston 22d in the direction indicated by the arrow 68, the tubular assembly 32 rises in the direction indicated by the arrow 68. More particularly, the rod 22d extends further out of the housing 22a, causing the coupling block 24, the arm 16, the bearing carrier 12, the arcuate thrust bearing 14, and thus the tubular assembly 32, to rise in the direction indicated by the arrow 68. As a result of the lifting of the tubular assembly 32, the force applied in the direction 66, which is due at least in part to the weight of the tubular assembly 32, is at least reduced or partially counteracted. Thus, the effective weight of the tubular assembly 32, or any larger assembly of which the tubular assembly 32 may be a part, is reduced. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular assembly 32 may be lifted by about 8 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular assembly 32 may be lifted by less than 8 inches, or greater than 8 inches, including any other matching distance noted herein for the tubular assembly.
To the extent that the tubular assembly 32 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 68, the rod 22b, the coupling block 24, the arm 16, the bearing carrier 12, and the arcuate thrust bearing 14 also move, relative to each of the plate 26, the housing 22a, and the structural member 28, in the direction indicated by the arrow 68. The arcuate thrust bearing 14 continues to support the tubular assembly 32.
In an exemplary embodiment, when the apparatus 10 is in the configuration shown in
In several exemplary embodiments, the force in the direction indicated by the arrow 66 may be applied to the above-noted tubular member, which is spaced from the tubular assembly 32 in the direction indicated by the arrow 66, to threadably engage (or make-up) the tubular member with another tubular member located therebelow to form, or continue to form, a string of drill pipe or casing. Alternatively, in several exemplary embodiments, the force in the direction indicated by the arrow 66 may be applied to threadably disengage (or break-out) the tubular member from another tubular member located therebelow. By employing the apparatus 10 to reduce the effective weight of the tubular assembly 32 or any larger assembly of which the tubular assembly 32 may be a part, the risk or potential of damaging threads is reduced during, for example, threadably engaging the tubular member with another tubular member, or threadably disengaging the tubular member from the other tubular member. As a result, careful make-up or break-out of two tubular members can be facilitated.
In several exemplary embodiments, the tubular component 38 may be a quill of a top drive, the structural member 28 may be part of a backup wrench (BUW) of the top drive, the top drive may be suspended in the air (or water), and the quill (including the tubular component 38) may be movable, relative to the BUW (including the structural member 28), during the suspension of the top drive and the operation of the apparatus 10, which operates in the above-described manner to reduce the effective weight of the quill.
In an exemplary embodiment, after the make-up or break-out of the two tubular members, the apparatus 10 may again be placed in the configuration shown in
In several exemplary embodiments, the bearing carrier 12 only engages and thus supports the tubular assembly 32 when necessary, such as when the tubular assembly 32 is used to make-up or break-out two tubular members. As a result, wear on the arcuate thrust bearing 14 and the thrust washer 36 is reduced, as is the risk of any failure. Similarly, electrical power is only supplied to the control valve 42 when necessary, such as when the tubular assembly 32 is used to make-up or break-out two tubular members. As a result, electrical power is conserved.
In several exemplary embodiments, during operation of the apparatus 10, the control valve 42 selectively supplies fluid to the portions 22ca and 22cb of the internal region 22c. By employing the control valve 42 to control the supply of fluid to the portions 22ca and 22cb, the rod 22b may be placed at a predetermined position along an axis 70 (shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 62 controls the operation of at least the control valve 42 to controllably place at least the arcuate thrust bearing 14 at a predetermined position along the axis 70. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 62 controls the operation of at least the control valve 42 to control the speed or rate of displacement of at least the arcuate thrust bearing 14 along the axis 70.
In an exemplary embodiment, during the above-described operation of the apparatus 10, the pressure transducer 48 measures the pressure in the hydraulic line 44 and transmits data or signals to the controller 62 corresponding to the measured pressure, thereby providing feedback to the controller 62 during its control and operation of the control valve 42. In an exemplary embodiment, during the above-described operation of the apparatus 10, the filter 58 filters out debris or particles from the fluid being supplied from the hydraulic power unit 54. The pressure switch 60 measures the pressure upstream and downstream of the filter 58, and provides an alarm or signal when the pressure drop across the filter 58 becomes too high and thus the filter 58 needs to be serviced or replaced.
In several exemplary embodiments, the computer processor 62a executes instructions stored on the computer readable medium 62b to carry out the above-described operation of the apparatus 10.
In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be easily disengaged from the structural member 28 and the tubular assembly 32. In particular, instead of having an annular shape that extends circumferentially all the way around the adapter 34, the arcuate notch 12b of the bearing carrier 12 has an arcuate shape, which facilitates its easy disengagement from the tubular assembly 32, regardless of whether the apparatus 10 is in the configuration illustrated in
Referring to
The apparatus 72 includes a mast 74 supporting lifting gear above a rig floor 76. The lifting gear includes a crown block 78 and a traveling block 80. The crown block 78 is coupled at or near the top of the mast 74, and the traveling block 80 hangs from the crown block 78 by a drilling line 82. The drilling line 82 extends from the lifting gear to draw-works 84, which is configured to reel the drilling line 82 out and in to cause the traveling block 80 to be lowered and raised relative to the rig floor 76. A hook 86 may be attached to the bottom of the traveling block 80. A top drive 88 may be suspended from the hook 86, and may include a quill 90. The quill 90 may extend downward, as viewed in
As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the top drive 88, quill 90 and saver sub 92 may not be utilized between the hook 86 and the tubular lifting device 94, such as where the tubular lifting device 94 is coupled directly to the hook 86, or where the tubular lifting device 94 is coupled to the hook 86 via other components.
In several exemplary embodiments, instead of a drilling rig, the apparatus 72 may be any device that requires reducing the effective weight of a structure being moved or used in an operation where the structure engages, or causes another structure to engage, a delicate, fragile, or easily-damaged component or portion thereof (such as a threaded connection), so that the weight reduction reduces, minimizes or prevents damage to the component or portion thereof.
In view of the above and the figures, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure introduces an apparatus that includes a thrust bearing adapted to engage a tubular component having a weight; a bearing carrier connected to the thrust bearing, the bearing carrier including an arcuate notch through which the tubular component is adapted to extend, the arcuate notch including opposing end portions and defining an angle extending circumferentially between the opposing end portions, the angle ranging from less than 180 degrees to about 180 degrees; an arm connected to the bearing carrier and to which a first force in a first direction is adapted to be applied by a least a portion of the weight of the tubular component; and an actuator connected to the arm to apply thereto a second force in a second direction to at least partially counteract the first force, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. According to one aspect, the angle ranges from about 150 degrees to about 160 degrees. According to another aspect, the bearing carrier defines an axially-facing surface adjacent the arcuate notch; and the thrust bearing is an arcuate thrust bearing disposed on the axially-facing surface and adapted to engage the tubular component. According to yet another aspect, the apparatus includes the tubular component, the tubular component including an external shoulder and a thrust washer connected thereto; wherein the apparatus has: a first configuration in which the arcuate thrust bearing is not engaged with the thrust washer and a vertical offset is defined between the arcuate thrust bearing and the thrust washer; and a second configuration in which the arcuate thrust bearing engages the thrust washer to support the tubular component. According to still yet another aspect, the actuator includes a housing defining an internal region; a head disposed in the internal region, the head defining on either side thereof first and second portions of the internal region; and an elongated member connected to the head and extending out of the housing; wherein the arm is connected to the elongated member; wherein the apparatus further includes a control valve in fluid communication with each of the first and second portions of the internal region; wherein a cessation of a supply of electrical power to the control valve places the apparatus in the first configuration. According to still yet another aspect, the apparatus includes a top drive which includes a quill, wherein the tubular component is connected to, or is part of, the quill; and a backup wrench to which the housing is connected; wherein the quill, the tubular component, the arcuate thrust bearing, the bearing carrier, the arm, the elongated member, and the head are movable, relative to the backup wrench and the housing, in the first and second directions.
The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus that includes a tubular component having a weight; a thrust bearing adapted to engage the tubular component for the support thereof; a bearing carrier to which the thrust bearing is connected; an arm connected to the bearing carrier and to which a first force is adapted to be applied by at least a portion of the weight of the tubular component; an actuator connected to the arm and adapted to apply to the arm a second force to at least partially counteract the first force; and a structural member to which the actuator is connected; wherein the apparatus has a first configuration in which the thrust bearing is not engaged with the tubular component and a vertical offset is defined between the tubular component and the thrust bearing, and a second configuration in which the thrust bearing is engaged with the tubular component for the support thereof; and wherein the actuator moves the thrust bearing, the bearing carrier, and the arm, relative to each of the structural member and the tubular component, to place the apparatus in the second configuration. According to one aspect, the bearing carrier defines an axially-facing surface; wherein the bearing carrier includes an arcuate notch adjacent the axially-facing surface and through which the tubular component extends, the arcuate notch including opposing end portions and defining an angle extending circumferentially between the opposing end portions, the angle ranging from less than 180 degrees to about 180 degrees; and wherein the thrust bearing is an arcuate thrust bearing disposed on the axially-facing surface. According to another aspect, the angle ranges from about 150 degrees to about 160 degrees. According to yet another aspect, the tubular component includes an external shoulder and a thrust washer connected thereto; wherein, when the apparatus is in the first configuration, the arcuate thrust bearing is not engaged with the thrust washer and the vertical offset is defined between the arcuate thrust bearing and the thrust washer; and wherein, when the apparatus is in the second configuration, the arcuate thrust bearing engages the thrust washer to support the tubular component. According to still yet another aspect, the actuator includes a housing defining an internal region; a head disposed in the internal region, the head defining on either side thereof first and second portions of the internal region; and an elongated member connected to the head and extending out of the housing, wherein the arm is connected to the elongated member; and wherein the apparatus further includes a control valve in fluid communication with each of the first and second portions of the internal region. According to still yet another aspect, a cessation of a supply of electrical power to the control valve places the apparatus in the first configuration. According to still yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes a top drive, the top drive including a quill, wherein the tubular component is connected to, or is part of, the quill; and the structural member, wherein the structural member is a backup wrench.
The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus that includes a thrust bearing adapted to engage a tubular component having a weight; a bearing carrier connected to the thrust bearing; an arm connected to the thrust bearing and to which a first force in a first direction is adapted to be applied by a least a portion of the weight of the tubular component; and an actuator connected to the arm to apply thereto a second force in a second direction to at least partially counteract the first force, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, the actuator including a housing defining an internal region; a head disposed in the internal region, the head defining on either side thereof first and second portions of the internal region; and an elongated member connected to the head and extending out of the housing, the elongated member being connected to the arm; and a control valve in fluid communication with each of the first and second portions of the internal region; wherein the actuator is adapted to be connected to a structural member; and wherein, when the actuator is connected to the structural member, the thrust bearing, the bearing carrier, the arm, the head, and the elongated member move in the first direction, relative to structural member, in response to a cessation of a supply of electrical power to the control valve. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes the structural member to which the actuator is connected; and the tubular component with which the thrust bearing is adapted to be engaged; wherein the apparatus has a first configuration in which the thrust bearing is not engaged with the tubular component and a vertical offset is defined between the tubular component and the thrust bearing, and a second configuration in which the thrust bearing is engaged with the tubular component for the support thereof; and wherein the apparatus is placed in the first configuration in response to the cessation of the supply of the electrical power to the control valve. According to another embodiment, the actuator moves the thrust bearing, the bearing carrier, and the arm, relative to each of the structural member and the tubular component, to place the apparatus in the second configuration. According to yet another embodiment, the bearing carrier includes an arcuate notch through which the tubular component is adapted to extend, the arcuate notch including opposing end portions and defining an angle extending circumferentially between the opposing end portions, the angle ranging from less than 180 degrees to about 180 degrees. According to still yet another embodiment, the angle ranges from about 150 degrees to about 160 degrees. According to still yet another embodiment, the bearing carrier defines an axially-facing surface adjacent the arcuate notch; and wherein the thrust bearing is an arcuate thrust bearing disposed on the axially-facing surface and adapted to engage the tubular component. According to still yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes a top drive, the top drive including a quill, wherein the tubular component is connected to, or is part of, the quill; and the structural member, wherein the structural member is a backup wrench.
The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure also introduces a method including at least one step according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure also introduces a system comprising at least one component having at least one character according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure also introduces a kit including at least one component having at least one character according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that a person of ordinary skill in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Such features may be replaced by any one of numerous equivalent alternatives, only some of which are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. One of ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
The Abstract at the end of this disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3869781 | Eubanks | Mar 1975 | A |
4813498 | Lynch et al. | Mar 1989 | A |
4986370 | Johnson | Jan 1991 | A |
5265683 | Krasnov | Nov 1993 | A |
6000472 | Albright et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6230821 | Warren et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6968900 | Williams et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
7131496 | Williams et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
7654325 | Giroux et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
7857076 | Bui et al. | Dec 2010 | B2 |
7921939 | Keast et al. | Apr 2011 | B1 |
7931077 | Rudshaug et al. | Apr 2011 | B2 |
7984757 | Keast et al. | Jul 2011 | B1 |
20020043403 | Juhasz et al. | Apr 2002 | A1 |
20080264648 | Pietras et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20090151934 | Heidecke | Jun 2009 | A1 |
20130284433 | Weintraub et al. | Oct 2013 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
WO 9934088 | Jul 1999 | WO |
WO 2013162970 | Oct 2013 | WO |
Entry |
---|
“Technical Bulletin Top Drive TD-500-HT Top Drive TD-350-HT,” URL:http//drillzone.ru/uploads/files/18476723584dad37f38b896.pdf, Apr. 19, 2011, pp. 1-33. |
PCT, “International Search Report,” PCT/US2013/036974, Mar. 27, 2014. |
U.S. Appl. No. 61/639,385, filed Apr. 27, 2012, Weintraub et al. |
U.S. Appl. No. 13/864,025, filed Apr. 16, 2013, Weintraub et al. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20150014066 A1 | Jan 2015 | US |