Patent Application
20190203547
A top drive is used in oilfield operations to manipulate a wellbore string, such as a drill string or a casing or liner string, The top drive is typically supported in a rig, such as a mast or derrick. The top drive provides torque to the wellbore string to drill a borehole. The top drive can move vertically up and down the rig via a pulley system or on rails, to string or remove pipes.
A top drive can include a backup wrench that can include a gripper device used to grip or position drill pipe during the drilling process. For example, an unattached drill pipe can be coupled by threads to a stump (i.e. an upper end of a string of drill pipe in the earth) by using the gripper to hold the unattached drill pipe in place while the top drive rotates the stump. The gripper of the top drive assembly can use a die block assembly actuated by a cylinder rod or piston to hold the drill pipe in place during the coupling process.
The die block of the gripper requires regular inspection, maintenance and replacement. However, current solutions for mechanically coupling the die block to the gripper can be unsafe, inefficient and can inadequately seal the die block structure from the elements experienced during the drilling process.
Features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.
As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness can in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.
As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” can be either abutting or connected. Such elements can also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity can in some cases depend on the specific context.
An initial overview of the inventive concepts is provided below and then specific examples are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the examples more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the examples, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Although top drive grippers have proven effective in the field, the typical gripper includes a set of die block that must be removed and serviced multiple times each week during operation. Current designs and methods for mechanically coupling the die block to the cylinder rod of a piston have many shortcomings. For example, a typical die block can be pinned to the piston using a long pin with a small pin head, the pin being held in place by a cover secured by two bolts. To access the bolts, the cylinder must be energized until the die block clears the frame of the gripper, and the cylinder must remain energized as the die block is removed. This process requires a second operator to manually energize the cylinder and presents potential safety hazards in the event that the cylinder inadvertently de-energizes while the first operator is removing the die block. Some current die block designs also fail to stop mud from the drilling operation from entering the mechanical coupling, which can cause buildup of hardened earth matter and corrosion.
Accordingly, the present disclosure sets forth a quick release die block system for the gripper of a wellbore rig top drive. The quick release die block system allows for efficient removal of the die block from the cylinder without requiring the cylinder to be energized, all while sealing the mechanical coupling from the elements, such as drilling mud. The quick release die block system can include a lock mechanism that is accessed via a passage in the die block, or through the face of the die block. The lock mechanism can be sealed within the piston and the die block to keep the inside clean from the elements, including the mud from drilling operations.
In one aspect, a quick release die block system is disclosed that can include a die block disposed adjacent a piston with a lock mechanism disposed within at least one of the die block and the piston. The lock mechanism can include one or more lock pins moveably supported, and adapted to releasably secure the die block to the die block support. The lock mechanism can also include a lock mechanism interface that is accessible via a passage in the die block. In one aspect, the lock mechanism can include a cam pin and at least one lock pin having a cam surface. The system can also include a key knob engaged with the cam pin of the lock mechanism. The cam pin can rotate when the key knob is rotated, causing the at least one lock pin to move between an unlocked and a locked position.
In an aspect of the present technology, a die block can include a face, a back surface and at least one side surface. The back surface of the die block can have an aperture, and the aperture can have at least one lock notch disposed therein. The quick release die block system can include a piston at least partially disposed in the aperture of the die block, the piston having a transverse bore. A lock mechanism of the system can include a cam pin and at least one lock pin having a cam surface. The at least one lock pin of the lock mechanism can be disposed in the transverse bore of the piston. The lock mechanism can have a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lock pin of the lock mechanism can extend from the transverse bore of the piston and into the at least one lock notch of the die block. In the unlocked position, the at least one lock pin of the lock mechanism can be retracted within the transverse bore of the piston, allowing the die block to be free of and removed from the piston without energizing the piston.
To further describe the present technology, examples are now provided with reference to the figures. With reference to
With reference to
As described more fully herein, the die block 102 can be releasably coupled to the die block support(e.g., the piston 104). In one aspect, the piston 104 is configured to be energized and moved from a resting position to an energized position. The quick release die block system 100 provides the advantage of releasably securing the die block 102 to the piston 104 without energizing the piston 104. In other words, the die block 102 is releasably secured to the piston 104 when the piston 104 is in a resting position. The lock mechanism 106 can removably couple die block 102 to piston 104, or in other words can be operable with the die block support and the die block 102 to releasably secure the die block 102 to the die block support. Die block 102 can be disposed adjacent piston 104, which can include any arrangement whereby die block 102 and piston 104 are disposed in contact with one another. For example, die block 102 and piston 104 can have surfaces that abut one another. In another example, a portion of piston 104 can be disposed within or overlapping die block 102, with die block 102 surrounding a portion of piston 104. Alternatively, a portion of die block 102 can be disposed within or overlapping piston 104.
Die block 102 can include a face 102a, a back surface 102b, and at least one side surface 102c. In an example, die block 102 can generally take a four-sided shape, such that it will include four side surfaces 102c. In other examples, die block 102 can have more or less sides, such as a circle that includes one constant side surface. An aperture 114 can be disposed on back surface 102b, and adapted to receive and interface with the piston 104. Aperture 114 can be a cylindrical bore or recess, or can be a bore or recess having any other shape or configuration suitable for interacting with piston 104. In an example, a distal end portion of piston 104 can be disposed or seated within aperture 114. Aperture 114 can further include at least one lock notch 116, which can be a cylindrical bore or a bore having any other shape or configuration suitable for interacting or interfacing with and receiving the lock pins 110. Die block 102 can also include a passage 118, which can comprise an actuator bore, that can extend from the face 102a to aperture 114. Passage 118 may extend completely through die block 102 in any form capable of providing access to the lock mechanism 106, as described herein. Passage 118 can be a bore, a slot, a channel, a port, or any other opening sufficient to provide access to the lock mechanism interface 112.
Piston 104 can include a transverse bore 120 which can run or extend laterally across and through the piston 104 to form a through hole. Piston 104 can further include a center bore 122 that is perpendicular to transverse bore 120 and that extends from a proximal end 104a of piston 104 to intersect the transverse bore 120. In an example, center bore 122 can be concentric with actuator bore 118 of die block 102. The at least one lock pin 110 of lock mechanism 106 can be moveably disposed in (displaceable within) transverse bore 120. Cam pin 108 can be substantially disposed in center bore 122 and actuator bore 118, with a portion of cam pin 108 disposed within transverse bore 120 and cooperating with cam surfaces 111 of lock pins 110.
The operation of lock mechanism 106 to move lock pins 110 between a locked position and an unlocked position will be described herein, particularly with reference to
With reference to
In the view of the example quick release die block system 100 shown in
A portion of piston 104 can be sized and configured to be received and disposed in aperture 114. Alternatively, piston 104 can be supported about die block 102 in any other manner as contemplated herein, such as without utilizing an aperture such as aperture 114. Piston 104 can include a transverse bore 120 extending through piston 104 to form a through hole. Piston 104 can also include a center bore 122 that can be perpendicular to transverse bore 120 and can extend from a proximal surface 104a of piston 104 to transverse bore 120. Transverse bore 120 can be parallel to or align with the at least one lock notch 116 in die block 102.
Quick release die block system 100 can also include a lock mechanism 106 that includes a cam pin 108 and one or more lock pins 110, each having a cam surface 111 about which one or more cams or lobes of the cam pin 108 interface with and slide to cause the lock pins 110 to displace. Indeed, rotation of the cam pin 108, with its associated cams extending in opposing directions to contact and interface with each of the respective lock pins 110, in a first direction can cause the lock pins 110 to displace in a first direction, and wherein rotation of the cam pin 108 in a second direction (or continued rotation in the same direction) can cause the lock pins 110 to displace in a second direction. The cam pin 108 is configured to rotate about and to engage with the cam surface(s) 111 of the respective lock pin(s) 110, which causes the lock pin(s) 110 to move or displace laterally, or in and out away from cam pin 108. In other words, the rotary input of the cam pin 108 translates to linear output or movement of the lock pin(s) 110 as the cams of the cam pin 108 slide against the cam surfaces 111. In the example shown, the cam surface 111 of the lock pin 110 can comprise a slot formed in the lock pin 110 (e.g., see
The quick release die block system 100 can further include a keeper ring 130 and a biasing component or spring 132 associated with the keeper ring 130 and the lock pin 110. The keeper ring 130 can be an expandable ring that fits and seats within a channel formed in an annular direction within the transverse bore 120 of the piston 104 at a location proximate an opening of the transverse bore 120, and that protrudes into the transverse bore 120 so as to create a seat or stop surface against which spring 132 can exert a force. The distal end portion of the lock pin 110 can be configured to move in and out of an opening formed by the keeper ring 130. In other words, the keeper ring 130 can extend circumferentially or annularly around the lock pin 110. The biasing component or spring 132 can be any known elastic or compliant component for providing an elastic force between two objects. In one example, biasing component 132 can comprise a standard helical spring disposed circumferentially around and about, and seated within, a stepped down shoulder/neck portion of the lock pin 110 (see stepped down shoulder portion of the lock pin in
In an example of the present disclosure, the quick release die block system 100 provides a seal from the elements encountered in the drilling process, including mud, by providing a series of seals on points of access to the lock mechanism. For example, quick release die block system 100 can include a first O-ring 134 disposed between the die block 102 and the piston 104. In one example, the O-ring 134 can be located within the aperture 114, as shown. A second O-ring 136 can be disposed between the key knob 112 and the die block 102. In one example, the a-ring 136 can be located within the actuator bore 118, as shown. O-rings 134, 136 can provide a seal from the elements while allowing the appropriate movement of the features involved. O-rings 134, 136 can be made of any type of sealing material.
In one example, key knob 112 can be configured to prevent accidental rotation of cam pin 108 and the corresponding movement of lock pins 110. For example, key knob 112 can include a keyed opening 113 comprising a flat surface adapted and configured to engage and mate with a flat surface 109 of cam pin 108 (see flat surface 109 in
Key knob 112 can further be disposed against an expander or biasing component 138 that can apply a force to and bias key knob 112 in a direction toward the keyed, non-rotating position in which keyed surface 115 is in contact with mating surface 117. In one example, to facilitate this function, a washer 140 can be adjacent a keeper ring 142 disposed and seated within a channel of actuator bore 118. Keeper ring 142 and washer 140 provide a surface against which expander 138 can push to bias key knob 112 toward its keyed or non-rotating position. When key knob 112 is depressed against the biasing component or expander 138, key knob 112 is displaced a sufficient distance so as to release the keyed surface 115 from the mating surface 117 (the keyed surface 115 clears the mating surface 117, wherein in this position, key knob 112 can be freely rotated. The key knob 112 can include two or more keyed surfaces 115, each allowing key knob 112 to return to a keyed or non-rotating position in two different rotation positions. For example, key nob 112 can be in a first keyed or non-rotating position when lock pins 110 are in an unlocked position, and then depressed, rotated and released in a second keyed or non-rotating position when lock pins 110 are in a locked position.
Piston 104 can also include a bearing 144 to align cam pin 108 within center bore 122. A stopper, such as a keeper ring 146, can be disposed within a channel in cam pin 108 and adjacent a top side of bearing 144 to prevent cam pin 108 from moving further toward piston 104. Keeper ring 146 can keep cam pin 108 in proper position to engage cam surfaces 111 of lock pins 110, and can also keep flat surface 109 within keyed opening 113 of key knob 112.
Still with reference to
Separately, die block 102 can be assembled with key knob 112 by inserting key knob 112 through actuator bore 118 from back surface 102b. Expander or biasing component 138 can then be inserted, followed by washer 140 and keeper ring 142, which holds the key knob 112 in place. With expander 138 biasing key knob 112 toward a keyed or stationary position, keyed surface 115 can be aligned with mating surface 117 prior to joining the die block with the piston and lock mechanism assembly described above.
Die block 102 with key knob 112 installed will typically be joined to piston 104 and lock mechanism 106 when piston 104 is installed in the gripper of the wellbore rig top drive. With biasing components 132 pushing lock pins 110 toward the center or within transverse bore 120, aperture 114 of die block 102 can be slid over piston 104. After aligning flat surface 109 of cam pin 108 with keyed opening 113 of key knob 112, die block 102 and piston 104 can come together, disposed adjacent one another. Die block 102 can then be locked to piston 104 by actuating lock mechanism 106. As explained herein, lock mechanism 106 is actuated by depressing and rotating key knob 112. Key knob 112 can be rotated using any known driving tool and corresponding tool indent, or screw drive system. In one non-limiting example, key knob 112 can include a hex socket interface, wherein an Allen wrench of corresponding size can be used to interface with and depress and rotate key knob 112. Of course, other interface configurations are possible and contemplated herein.
Continued reference is made to
Biasing component 132 can provide a force against lock pin 110, biasing it toward the center or unlocked position, wherein substantially all of lock pin 110 resides within transverse bore 120. Lock pin 110 can be moved to the locked position, wherein lock pin 110 is disposed partially within the transverse bore 120 and extending partially outside of the transverse bore. When piston 104 is mated to the die block assembly described herein, lock pin 110 can reside partially within a lock notch in the aperture of the die block (see lock notch 116 shown best in
Piston 104 can further include lubrication channels 170, which can be bores extending from a proximal end 104a of piston 140 to a distal end (e.g., the end of the piston 104 having a cap 172, such as a cap formed into a mushroom configuration, as shown). The cap 172 can facilitate engagement of the piston 104 with driving members of the gripper in a way that requires lubrication, wherein the quick release die block system facilitates much quicker access to apply such lubrication by facilitating safe, quick and efficient removal of the die block 102.
Continued reference is made to
In one aspect of quick release die block system 200, a fluid intake device in the form of a valve can be used in place of coupler 270 to provide pneumatic access to lock mechanism 206 while sealing lock mechanism 206 from the elements, including mud. In other aspects of the present technology, any means can be employed for applying a pneumatic pressure to the outside of lock pins 210 to force biasing component 232 to compress and move lock pins 210 to the unlock position.
The quick release die block system 300 can further comprise a retainer plate 360 configured to be coupled to die block support 304 by fasteners (e.g., bolts 361 and washers 362) that attach to support taps 363 disposed in die block support 304. Retainer plate 360 can include a slot 364, which can be a latch slot or a latch notch, and which may function similar in some aspects to lock notch 316 of
In some aspects, lock pin 308 can include a latch projection 308a, which can be disposed on the distal end of lock pin 308. Latch projection 308a can be configured, dimensioned and adapted to engage lock slot 364 or any other lock surface, as described herein. For example, latch projection 308a may be an oblong diamond shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape suitable for engaging a lock slot as described herein. In an example, latch projection 308a is longer in one dimension (e.g., a length dimension) than it is in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension (e.g., a width or lateral dimension), such that it can pass through slot 364 when pin 308 is in the unlocked position, but engages retainer plate 360 and is prevented from passing through slot 364 when pin 308 is in the locked position.
Die block 302 is thus releasably coupled or attached to die block support 304 by way of lock pin 308 and retainer plate 360. When die block 302 is removed from die block support 304 by actuating lock mechanism interface 312, lock pin 308, along with its housing 368, remain operably connected or attached to die block 302. Retainer plate 360 similarly remains operably connected to die block support 304 when the die block 302 is removed. In this way, retainer plate 360 and lock pin 308 with housing 368 are added to die block 302 and die block support 304 to provide for a releasable coupling between die block 302 and die block support 304. In one example, conventional die block and die block supports can be slightly modified or adapted, rather than redesigned completely, to accommodate the components of quick release die block system 300 and can be retrofit or transformed from a common die block system to a quick release die block system.
The quick release die block system 300 also includes a lock pin housing 368 coupled to the die block 302 by fasteners (e.g., bolts 369 and washers 370) that secure into die block taps 371. Lock pin housing 368 can be configured, dimensioned and adapted to rotatably support lock pin 308 in a passage 318 of die block 302. For example, a keeper ring 346 can be disposed in a channel of pin 308 and can reside between housing 368 and die block 302 to retain pin 308.
As described with other examples herein, die block system 300 also can include a washer 340, and a biasing component 336 or spring can be disposed between key knob 312 and housing 368. The biasing component can bias key knob into a locked position in die block 302 as described herein, requiring key knob 312 to be depressed before key knob 312, and pin 308, can be turned. An O-ring 334 can be disposed between die block support 304 and die block 302, and an O-ring 336 can be disposed between key knob 312, or any other lock mechanism interface, and passage 318 of die block 302.
In an example, and as will be understood based on the description herein, key knob 312 can be configured to actuate lock mechanism 106, including, without limitation, by way of a hand tool. In an example of quick release die block system 300, the lock mechanism interface, such as key knob 312, may include an opening defining an interface configured to receive a hand tool, such as a hex key. The surface or face of the interface or knob may include inscriptions indicating whether the interface or knob is in the locked or unlocked position, such as “U” or “L.”
Other examples of the present technology will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the present disclosure. For instance, it will be understood that a quick release die block assembly can include a lock mechanism that is at least partially, or fully, disposed within one or both of a die block and a piston. In one aspect, the lock mechanism can be disposed within the die block and lock pins can project into lock notches in the piston to releasably secure the die block to the piston. In another aspect, each of the die block and the piston can include one or more lock pins that project into a lock notch in the other component. Such lock pins can be actuated by a single lock mechanism, or by separate lock mechanisms.
With reference again to
In yet other aspects of the present invention, access to the lock mechanism of a quick release die block system can be provided at any location convenient to any appropriate application. In some cases, access to the lock mechanism, whether through a key knob or otherwise, can be provided through the side of a piston, the side of a die block, or any other configuration based on the arrangement of the lock mechanism as disclosed or contemplated herein.
In accordance with one example of the present technology, a method for releasably coupling a die block to a support, is disclosed and can include providing a die block support and providing a die block releasable coupled to the die block support. The method can further include providing a lock mechanism operable with the die block support and the die block, the lock mechanism comprising one or more lock pins moveably supported, and adapted to releasably secure the die block to the die block support, the lock mechanism further comprising a lock mechanism interface that is accessible via a passage in the die block. The method can then include actuating the lock mechanism interface to engage the one or more lock pins and couple the die block to the die block support, and actuating the lock mechanism interface to disengage the one or more lock pins to release the die block from the die block support.
In aspects of the method, the die block support can include a piston, and the die block can be releasably secured to the piston without energizing the piston. In other aspects, the die block has a face and the lock mechanism interface is accessible from the face of the die block. In yet other aspects, the die block can also have a back surface and at least one side surface, the back surface having an aperture, and a portion of the die block support can be disposed in the aperture of the die block.
The method for releasably coupling a die block to a support can further include providing a retainer plate coupled to the die block support, the retainer plate comprising a slot. The lock pin can be operable between a locked and an unlocked position with the lock pin engaging the slot of the retainer plate in the locked position. In other aspects, the method can further include a lock mechanism having a cam pin and one or more lock pins having a cam surface. In aspects of the method, the lock mechanism interface engages with the cam pin of the lock mechanism to rotate the cam pin when the lock mechanism interface is rotated, and rotation of the cam pin causes the one or more lock pins to move between an unlocked and a locked position. In yet other aspects of the method, the lock mechanism interface can comprise a pressurized fluid intake device.
In other aspects, another method for removably attaching a die block to a piston is disclosed. The method can include providing a die block disposed adjacent a piston and providing a lock mechanism comprising a cam pin and at least one lock pin having a cam surface, the at least one lock pin disposed within at least one of the die block and the piston. The method can further include providing a key knob rotationally engaged with the cam pin. The concepts and interactions between these components, as described in detail herein, can all further be included as steps in the method of removably attaching a die block to a piston.
In one aspect, the method can further include rotating the key knob to rotate the cam pin and actuate the at least one lock pin to a locked position, and can include rotating the key knob to rotate the cam pin and actuate the at least one lock pin to the unlocked position. As disclosed herein, the die block of the method can include a face, a back surface, and at least one side surface, the back surface having an aperture, the aperture having at least one lock notch disposed therein, and wherein a portion of the piston is disposed in the aperture of the die block. In an example, the piston can include a transverse bore with the at least one lock pin disposed within the transverse bore.
In other aspects of the method, the key knob can include a keyed surface engaged with a surface of the die block to prevent inadvertent rotation of the key knob. The method can also include providing a biasing component adjacent the key knob and depressing the key knob against the biasing component to release the keyed surface of the key knob, allowing the key knob to rotate.
Other aspects of methods included in the present technology will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Reference was made to the examples illustrated in the drawings and specific language was used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the features illustrated herein and additional applications of the examples as illustrated herein are to be considered within the scope of the description.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the preceding description, numerous specific details were provided, such as examples of various configurations to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the described technology. It will be recognized, however, that the technology can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, devices, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the technology.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features and operations described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the described technology.
