The present disclosure relates generally to oil drilling systems, and more specifically to a tubular makeup and delivery system that can automate the process of assembling drilling equipment.
Oil wells require a substantial amount of equipment to build and operate, much of which must be manually assembled. As a result, the cost to build and operate oil wells can be very expensive.
A system for assembling drilling tubulars is disclosed. The system includes a tiering rack system configured to receive a plurality of sections of drilling tubulars and to selectively provide an individual drilling tubular section. A casing feed and bucking skid system coupled to the tiering rack system is configured to receive the individual drilling tubular section and to combine the individual drilling tubular section with a second individual drilling tubular section. A tubular delivery catwalk system coupled to the casing feed and bucking skid system is configured to receive the combined drilling tubular sections and to transport the combined drilling tubular sections to a drilling rig by elevating on at least two elevating supports.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings may be to scale, but emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:
In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures may be to scale and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
In the oil and gas industry, mechanized or automated functions of drilling rigs can be provided to reduce the amount of manual labor and hazards associated with setting up and operating the drilling rigs. For example, a power catwalk can be used to facilitate safe and efficient movement of a tubular (such as drill pipe and casing) to the rig floor, where it is deployed into service downhole.
Power catwalks can be used to deliver Range 3 (45 ft. long) tubulars to the rig floor as single joints, and are primarily used to handle drill pipe. The present disclosure provides systems and methods to make-up and deliver full stands of casing to the rig floor (such as 2×45 ft. joints, or a single 90 ft. stand). By delivering full stands to the rig floor, connection time and casing running times can be reduced, which improves the run rate and allows an operator to save a significant amount of money over the course of the well.
Tubular delivery catwalk 102 can be constructed from steel components and includes hydraulic or other suitable actuators that lift a trough that holds a casing or pipe assembly that has been assembled from casing or pipe components. Likewise, other suitable components can be assembled using tubular delivery catwalk 102. Tubular delivery catwalk 102 can operate under algorithmic control using one or more processors, or in combination with one or more manual actuators, as discussed further herein.
Casing feed and bucking skid 104 can be constructed from steel components and includes hydraulic or other suitable actuators that lift casing or pipe components to allow them to be assembled into a casing or pipe assembly, or other suitable components. In one example embodiment, casing feed and bucking skid 104 can be separated into a separate casing feed component and bucking skid component that are independently operated under algorithmic control using one or more processors, or in combination with one or more manual actuators, as discussed further herein.
Tiering racks 106 can be constructed from steel components and includes hydraulic or other suitable actuators that lift casing or pipe components to allow them to be assembled into a casing or pipe assembly, or other suitable components. In one example embodiment, tiering racks 106 can be independently operated under algorithmic control using one or more processors, or in combination with one or more manual actuators, as discussed further herein.
While the rig is drilling, casing joints 202 (which are typically 40 to 45 ft. lengths) are loaded onto the tiering racks 106 with use of an on-site loader. Tiering racks 106 can hold multiple joints of casing and can be tiered or stacked to accommodate the joints of casing required to case the well section. Drilling pipe or other suitable materials can also or alternatively be handled by system 200.
Catwalk control 2102 can be implemented as one or more algorithms operating on logic devices, a programmable industrial control processor or in other suitable manners. In one example embodiment, catwalk control 2102 can receive one or more sensor inputs or user commands from a user interface device or control, and can modify an operational state of tubular delivery catwalk 102. In one example embodiment, tubular delivery catwalk 102 can be raised or lowered by catwalk control 2102, one or more hydraulic or DC control motor actuators of tubular delivery catwalk 102 can be operated in response to catwalk control 2102, or other suitable functions can be performed, such as those discussed herein.
Casing feed and bucking skid control 2104 can be implemented as one or more algorithms operating on logic devices, a programmable industrial control processor or in other suitable manners. In one example embodiment, casing feed and bucking skid control 2104 can receive one or more sensor inputs or user commands from a user interface device or control, and can modify an operational state of casing feed and bucking skid 104. In one example embodiment, casing feed and bucking skid 104 can be moved by casing feed and bucking skid control 2104, one or more hydraulic or DC control motor actuators of casing feed and bucking skid control 2104 can be operated in response to casing feed and bucking skid 104, or other suitable functions can be performed, such as those discussed herein.
Tiering rack control 2106 can be implemented as one or more algorithms operating on logic devices, a programmable industrial control processor or in other suitable manners. In one example embodiment, tiering rack control 2106 can receive one or more sensor inputs or user commands from a user interface device or control, and can modify an operational state of tiering rack 106. In one example embodiment, tiering rack 106 can be raised or lowered by tiering rack control 2106, one or more hydraulic or DC control motor actuators of tubular tiering rack 106 can be operated in response to tiering rack control 2106, or other suitable functions can be performed, such as those discussed herein.
Catwalk sensors 2108 can be implemented in hardware or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and can include one or more motion sensors, weight sensors, limit sensors, location sensors or other suitable sensors. Catwalk sensors 2108 can be used to generate sensor data that is transmitted to catwalk control 2102 to facilitate the automated operations discussed herein, such as raising or lowering of pipe or casing supports, movement of pipe or casing and other suitable functions.
Casing feed and bucking skid sensors 2110 can be implemented in hardware or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and can include one or more motion sensors, weight sensors, limit sensors, location sensors or other suitable sensors. Casing feed and bucking skid sensors 2110 can be used to generate sensor data that is transmitted to casing feed and bicking skid control 2104 to facilitate the automated operations discussed herein, such as raising or lowering of pipe or casing supports, movement of pipe or casing and other suitable functions.
Tiering rack sensors 2112 can be implemented in hardware or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and can include one or more motion sensors, weight sensors, limit sensors, location sensors or other suitable sensors. Tiering rack sensors 2112 can be used to generate sensor data that is transmitted to tiering rack control 2112 to facilitate the automated operations discussed herein, such as raising or lowering of pipe or casing supports, movement of pipe or casing and other suitable functions.
Fold-over door 2202 is configured to fold over on top of inner frame top portion 2204 and outer frame 2208, so as to facilitate transportation of system 2200. In one example embodiment, fold-over door 2202 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Inner frame top portion 2204 is configured to telescope within outer frame 2208, so as to facilitate transportation of system 2200. In one example embodiment, inner frame top portion 2204 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Inner frame bottom portion 2206 is configured to telescope within outer frame 2208, so as to facilitate transportation of system 2200. In one example embodiment, inner frame bottom portion 2206 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Outer frame 2208 is configured to hold inner frame bottom portion 2202 and inner frame top portion 2204, to allow them to telescope into position, and can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used. Outer frame 2208 can be fabricated in multiple sections, such as a first outer frame section for inner frame bottom portion 2202 and a second outer frame portion for inner frame top portion 2204, or in other suitable manners.
Fold-over door 2302 is shown resting on a drilling rig floor. In one example embodiment, fold-over door 2302 is automatically deployed in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Inner frame top portion 2304 is configured to telescope within outer frame 2308, so as to facilitate transportation of system 2300. In one example embodiment, inner frame top portion 2304 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Inner frame bottom portion 2306 is configured to telescope within outer frame 2308, so as to facilitate transportation of system 2300. In one example embodiment, inner frame bottom portion 2306 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Outer frame 2308 is configured to hold inner frame bottom portion 2302 and inner frame top portion 2304, to allow them to telescope into position, and can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used. Outer frame 2308 can be fabricated in multiple sections, such as a first outer frame section for inner frame bottom portion 2302 and a second outer frame portion for inner frame top portion 2304, or in other suitable manners.
Deployed fold-over door 2402 is shown resting on a drilling rig floor, with deployed handrails. In one example embodiment, deployed fold-over door 2402 and its associated had rails are automatically deployed in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Inner frame top portion 2404 includes guard rails that are deployed inside of the guard rails of deployed fold-over door 2402, and provide additional security for personnel working on the drilling rig. In one example embodiment, inner frame top portion 2404 and its guard rails are automatically deployed in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Outer frame top portion 2406 is configured to support inner frame bottom portion 2408 and to contain an inner frame, after inner frame bottom portion 2408 has telescoped into position, and can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used. Outer frame to portion 2406 can be fabricated in multiple sections, such as a first outer frame section for inner frame bottom portion 2408 and a second outer frame portion for an inner frame top portion, or in other suitable manners.
Inner frame top portion 2408 is extended from and supported by outer frame top portion 2406. In one example embodiment, inner frame bottom portion 2414 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Loading arms 2410 can be separately controlled using a programmable controller, manual controls, a combination of controls or in other suitable manners, and can use hydraulic power, electric power or other suitable power sources to operate. In one example embodiment, loading arms 2410 can include robotic controls, can have one or more predetermined movement functions (e.g. a first movement function to move from a transport configuration to a loading configuration, a second movement function to move a pipe from a loading position to a fabrication position and a third movement function to return to the loading position after the pipe has been fabricated), or other suitable controls. Loading arms 2410 can be actuated to lower the casing or pipe section onto the frame of a casing feed and bucking skid at a desired elevation, such as by operating loading arms 2410 under algorithmic control, and in response to one or more sensors that are activated when the casing or pipe section has reached a predetermined location. In another example embodiment, one or more manual controls can be activated once the casing or pipe section has reached a predetermined location, or other suitable processes can also or alternatively be used.
Outer frame bottom portion 2412 is part of system 2400, and is disposed underneath outer frame top portion 2406, inner frame top portion 2408, loading arms 2410 and inner frame bottom portion 2414, as shown in
Inner frame bottom portion 2414 is part of system 2400 and is disposed underneath outer frame top portion 2406, inner frame top portion 2408 and loading arms 2410 and below outer frame bottom portion 2412, as shown in
Fold-over door 2502 is shown resting on drilling rig floor with deployed handrails. In one example embodiment, fold-over door 2502 is automatically deployed in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Inner frame top portion 2504 is shown deployed with a fabricated tubular in delivery position to the drilling rig floor. In one example embodiment, inner frame top portion 2504 can assist with the delivery of the fabricated tubular with one or more powered rollers or other suitable devices.
Outer frame top portion 2506 provides support for inner frame top portion 2504 and inner frame top portion 2508, to allow them to telescope into position for fabrication and delivery of tubulars, such as casing, drilling pipe and other suitable components. In one example embodiment, outer frame top portion 2506 can include motive force devices, can be configured to interact with supports 2516 to allow it to be automatically deployed, and can perform other suitable functions.
Inner frame top portion 2508 provides support for a constructed tubular and extends from outer frame top portion 2506. In one example embodiment, inner frame top portion 2508 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Loading arms 2510 can be separately controlled using a programmable controller, manual controls, a combination of controls or in other suitable manners, and can use hydraulic power, electric power or other suitable power sources to operate. In one example embodiment, loading arms 2510 can include robotic controls, can have one or more predetermined movement functions (e.g. a first movement function to move from a transport configuration to a loading configuration, a second movement function to move a pipe from a loading position to a fabrication position and a third movement function to return to the loading position after the pipe has been fabricated), or other suitable controls. Loading arms 2510 can be actuated to lower the casing or pipe section onto the frame of a casing feed and bucking skid at a desired elevation, such as by operating loading arms 2510 under algorithmic control, and in response to one or more sensors that are activated when the casing or pipe section has reached a predetermined location. In another example embodiment, one or more manual controls can be activated once the casing or pipe section has reached a predetermined location, or other suitable processes can also or alternatively be used.
Outer frame bottom portion 2512 and inner frame bottom portion 2514 provide additional support for tubular production and delivery. In one example embodiment, outer frame top portion 2512 and inner frame bottom portion 2514 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
Supports 2516 are configured to lift outer frame top portion 2506, inner frame top portion 2504, inner frame top portion 2508 and a constructed tubular to allow the constructed tubular to be delivered to the drilling rig. In one example embodiment, supports 2516 can be configured to automatically deploy in response to a control, such as by using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electrical actuators or other suitable actuators. Likewise, a release latch can be mechanically or electrically actuated to facilitate manual deployment, an indicator can be actuated or other suitable systems and processes can also or alternatively be used.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”
As used herein, “hardware” can include a combination of discrete components, an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or other suitable hardware. As used herein, “software” can include one or more objects, agents, threads, lines of code, subroutines, separate software applications, two or more lines of code or other suitable software structures operating in two or more software applications, on one or more processors (where a processor includes one or more microcomputers or other suitable data processing units, memory devices, input-output devices, displays, data input devices such as a keyboard or a mouse, peripherals such as printers and speakers, associated drivers, control cards, power sources, network devices, docking station devices, or other suitable devices operating under control of software systems in conjunction with the processor or other devices), or other suitable software structures. In one exemplary embodiment, software can include one or more lines of code or other suitable software structures operating in a general purpose software application, such as an operating system, and one or more lines of code or other suitable software structures operating in a specific purpose software application. As used herein, the term “couple” and its cognate terms, such as “couples” and “coupled,” can include a physical connection (such as a copper conductor), a virtual connection (such as through randomly assigned memory locations of a data memory device), a logical connection (such as through logical gates of a semiconducting device), other suitable connections, or a suitable combination of such connections. The term “data” can refer to a suitable structure for using, conveying or storing data, such as a data field, a data buffer, a data message having the data value and sender/receiver address data, a control message having the data value and one or more operators that cause the receiving system or component to perform a function using the data, or other suitable hardware or software components for the electronic processing of data.
In general, a software system is a system that operates on a processor to perform predetermined functions in response to predetermined data fields. A software system is typically created as an algorithmic source code by a human programmer, and the source code algorithm is then compiled into a machine language algorithm with the source code algorithm functions, and linked to the specific input/output devices, dynamic link libraries and other specific hardware and software components of a processor, which converts the processor from a general purpose processor into a specific purpose processor. This well-known process for implementing an algorithm using a processor should require no explanation for one of even rudimentary skill in the art. For example, a system can be defined by the function it performs and the data fields that it performs the function on. As used herein, a NAME system, where NAME is typically the name of the general function that is performed by the system, refers to a software system that is configured to operate on a processor and to perform the disclosed function on the disclosed data fields. A system can receive one or more data inputs, such as data fields, user-entered data, control data in response to a user prompt or other suitable data, and can determine an action to take based on an algorithm, such as to proceed to a next algorithmic step if data is received, to repeat a prompt if data is not received, to perform a mathematical operation on two data fields, to sort or display data fields or to perform other suitable well-known algorithmic functions. Unless a specific algorithm is disclosed, then any suitable algorithm that would be known to one of skill in the art for performing the function using the associated data fields is contemplated as falling within the scope of the disclosure. For example, a message system that generates a message that includes a sender address field, a recipient address field and a message field would encompass software operating on a processor that can obtain the sender address field, recipient address field and message field from a suitable system or device of the processor, such as a buffer device or buffer system, can assemble the sender address field, recipient address field and message field into a suitable electronic message format (such as an electronic mail message, a TCP/IP message or any other suitable message format that has a sender address field, a recipient address field and message field), and can transmit the electronic message using electronic messaging systems and devices of the processor over a communications medium, such as a network. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to provide the specific coding for a specific application based on the foregoing disclosure, which is intended to set forth exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and not to provide a tutorial for someone having less than ordinary skill in the art, such as someone who is unfamiliar with programming or processors in a suitable programming language. A specific algorithm for performing a function can be provided in a flow chart form or in other suitable formats, where the data fields and associated functions can be set forth in an exemplary order of operations, where the order can be rearranged as suitable and is not intended to be limiting unless explicitly stated to be limiting.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
The present application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/051,774, filed Jul. 14, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/079,748, filed Sep. 17, 2020, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth herein in their entireties.
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