CA1186300A - Pipe handling machine - Google Patents
Pipe handling machineInfo
- Publication number
- CA1186300A CA1186300A CA000454780A CA454780A CA1186300A CA 1186300 A CA1186300 A CA 1186300A CA 000454780 A CA000454780 A CA 000454780A CA 454780 A CA454780 A CA 454780A CA 1186300 A CA1186300 A CA 1186300A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trough
- pipe
- arm
- cradling
- transferring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for transferring pipe between pipe racks and the drilling rig floor including a stationary trough located below and extending towards the drilling rig and a movable, inclined trough aligned with the stationary trough having one end supported on the drilling floor and the other end powered to move between a lower position for transferring pipe to and from the stationary trough and an upper position for transferring pipe to and from the drilling floor. Two pair of racking legs extending between the pipe racks and the fixed trough are provided. Each log has a cradling lug which moves up and down the leg powered by a hydraulic cylinder, thereby lifting the pipe along the leg. Further, each leg is able to pivot in two directions about a pivoting structure. The pipe when moving in the troughs is held at one end by a shovel member which is engageable by the buggy which travels along the stationary trough and is also engageable by the carriage in the inclined trough. The carriage in the inclined trough may comprise either a chain driven carriage having a latch portion engageable with a latch portion of the shovel member or may comprise two pair of arms which close around the shovel member and subsequently move the shovel member, and thus the pipe, along the inclined trough.
Two pair of dumping arms are positioned beneath the fixed trough at a location adjacent the racking arms. These arms powered by fluid actuated cylinders pivot about a point on the stationary trough so that their outer end extends through openings in the stationary trough thereby engaging a pipe and moving the pipe out of the stationary trough to the racking arms. An operator's station is pivotally mounted on top of the stationary trough.
Two pair of dumping arms are positioned beneath the fixed trough at a location adjacent the racking arms. These arms powered by fluid actuated cylinders pivot about a point on the stationary trough so that their outer end extends through openings in the stationary trough thereby engaging a pipe and moving the pipe out of the stationary trough to the racking arms. An operator's station is pivotally mounted on top of the stationary trough.
Description
Bac~ round of the Invention q This invention relates to a machine for handling pipe snd similar tubular goods between a drilling rig and a pipe rac~. It relates more particularly ~o a pipe handling machine adapted for use at onshore locations as well as to a machine that can be easily disassembled, transported between drilling rig sites, and reassembled at the new site.
In the prior art there are various methods and devices for lifting and moving plpe to and from pipe racks and an elevated drilling rig floor. One of such methods simply attaches a wire cable to the pipe and then the cable is lifted by a hydraulic winch which is typically mounted on the truck parked near the rig. Cranes and hydraulic driven chalns have also been used to lift and move the pipe. These methods have proven t~ be ~ery slow and thus very costly.
They also have required additional per~onnel to handle the pipe at both the drilling rig site and at the pipe rack. As the pipe was transferred it could become unattached from the pipe lifting structure or more commonly could swing about there~y injuring persol)nel, or dama~ing the pipe or adjacent structure.
More recently machines ~)ave ~een built which have reduced these problems. However, these machines have also proven to be slow and cum~ersome, as well as proven to be unsafe.
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Machines have been built in the past which included a flxed trough, devices for moving pipe from the pipe rack to that trough, a moving means for moving the pipe from the fixed trough to a movable trough, and means for removing the pipe from the movable trough to the drilling rig floor.
But, as has been previously discussed, these machines have proven to be cumbersome and slow.
Additionally, a pair of pipe racking arms positioned on either side of the stationary trough have been used. A
length of chaln is reeved about appropriate sprocket~ connecting pipe cradling lugs on legs on opposing sides of the station-ary trough. A similar chain and lug assembly was provided on the other opposing pair of arms. A heavy and expensive motor and a large, single shaft drive apparatus were employed to turn the sprockets. Thus, as the shaft turned, both the cradling lugs on one side of the stationary trough would be moving upwardly while the opposing lugs on the other side of the trough would be moving in a downward direction. This often proved to be unnecessary and unsafe since only the arms of one side of the trough or the other were being used at any one time.
To move the pipe from the stationary trough to the racking arms a dump trough system has been used. This system employed a tiltable segment of trough tilted hy two pair of hydraulic cylinders positioned at either ends thereof.
This system proved to be very fragile because the pivot point for the dump trough portion was at one end of the hydraulic cylinder, and because the hydraulic cylinders had -to lift an entire trough section as well as the pipe.
The operator's station in prior machines was a separate unit connected by appropriate control lines. This unit was difficult to lift onto a transporting vehicle wh~n being moved between drilling riq sites and would have to be lifted separately from the troughs.
Another problem present in prior art machin~s was that no suitable method had becn developed ~or moving the pipe bctween the fixed trough and the inclined trough and then from the inclined trough to the drillinc~ rig floor. Some past devices even required personnel to be position~d ad~acent to the movable trough to hoo~ the pipe to suitable lifting means. This, of course, proved to be slow, costly and dangerous. MechaniCal devices used to move the pipe were slow and often mechanically complicated. They also would bang the pipe about damaging the pin ends thereof or the pipe handling apparatus's drive chains.
Objects of the Invention Accordingly, it is the principal object of the prescnt invention to provide an improved machine for t~ansEerring pipe b~tween a pipe r~ck dnd thc ~loor o~ a drilling rig, and conversely during other sequences in the drilling operation to tran6fer yipe from the drillinq floor to the pipe rack.
~ ccording to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for transferring pipe to and from the floor of a drilling rig comprising:
a stationary trough means for receiving and supporting pipe adapted to be located below the level of the floor of the drilling rig with one encl extending toward said rig and located in proximity to said rig, a support means located at said one end of said stationary trough means, a movable trough means for receiving and supporting pipe aligned with said stationary trough means and having a first end coupled to said support means for generally vertical movement between a lower position and an upper position and having an opposite end adjacent said rig, said lower position being adjacent to said one end of said stationary trough means to perrnit the transfer of pipe between said movable and said stationary trough means, and said upper position being generally ahove and substantially spaced from said one end of said stationary trough means, a power means at said support means for moving said first end of said movable trough rneans between said lower and upper positions, a first moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said stationary trough means to said one end and onto said movable trough means when said first end of said movable trough means is in said lower position and for allowing pipe to move down from said movable teouc3h means when said movable trough means is in saicl lower position ancl into and along said stationary trough means, a second moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said movable trough means between said first end when said movable trough means is i.n said lower position and said second end when in said upper position, and a holding means for holding pipe as it is moved by said first and second moving means and transferred between said first and second moving means.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those pcrsons havin~ ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embody-ing the present invention in use a~ a drilling rig site.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the stationary trough of Figure 2; the forward end of the movable trough i9 shown in phantom lines in its lower position.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the tilting arms of the stationary trough or Figure l; one pair of tiltlng arms is shown in phantom lines in its raised or tilted position and the racking arms are shown in phantom lines in their down ~osition.
Figure 5 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the tilting arms of Figures 1 and 4.
Figure 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the tilting arms of Figure 5; one tilting arm thereof is indicated in phantom lines in its raised or tilted position.
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 2 illustrating the tilting arms of Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 8 i6 a bottom plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7, Figure 10 i8 a ~ide elevational view of one of the arm members of the tilting arms of Figure 6, illustrated in isolation for clarity's sake.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary, partially broken away side elevational view of one of the racking arms of Figure 1.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 11 wherein the movement of the cradling lug is illustrated in phantom lines.
Figure 13 i8 a cross-sectional view of the racking arm of Figure 12 taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12~
Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the buggy in the stationary trough of Figure 1 illustrating the movement thereof as it pu~hes a pipe along the ~kakion~r~ krough.
Figure 15 i~ a view similar to that of Figure 14 further illustrating the pipe-holding shovel assembly thereof a8 it engages and rides up the movable trough.
Figure 16 is a top plan view taken along line 16-16 of Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 16.
Figure 18 i6 a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Figure 16.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the carriage of Figures 1 and 14.
Figure 20 is a fragmentary, perspectivc view of one embodiment of the prescnt invention illustrating the shovel member as it moves onto the lower end of the movable trough of Figure 1 when in its lower position; the arm mcmbers are shown in their open position.
Figure 21 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 20 illustrating the arms in their closed position as they move a length of pipe resting in the movable trough along that trough.
Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating the lower end of the movable trough in its lower position.
Figure 23 i8 a view similar to that of Figure 22 wherein the shovel member has engaged the carriage of th~ movable trough.
General ~er-;cription ~ eferring to Figure 1, there is illu~trated an apparatus of an embodiment of the prescnt invention shown generally at 30 for handling pipe P and other tubulars. This apparatus generally includes a main support frame 32 shown positioned on a catwalk C, a stationary trough 3q having ends 36 and 38 1~tj3~ I~b r~sting on and supported by support frame 32, and a movable trough 40 supported at one end 42 on drilling rig D and at its other end 44 by a pair of masts 46, 46. Ma~ts 46, 46 are mo~nted on opposite sides of stationary trough end 38.
A mast drive system shown generally at 48 lifts and lowers movable trough end 44 between masts 46, 46. As movable trough end 44 is raised to its upper position, movable trough end 42 is caused to slide further on to drilling rig floor D and to be positioned generally lower relative to drilling rig floor D whereby a length of pipe may be more easily removed from movable tro~gh 40. When movable trough end 44 is in its lower position, movable trough 40 and stationary trough 36 are adjacent cach other and are in alignment so that pipe can slide between them.
A buggy 50 i8 powered to ride in stationary trough 34 between ends 36 and 38 thereof. Buggy 50 enyages a shovel member 52 which ls adapted to hold one end of a length o pipe P.
Shovel member 52 is also engag~able with a carriage or similar means 53 positioned in movable trough 40. Carriage 53 is similarly powcrcd to move along movable trough 40 between ends 42 and 44 thereof. Carriage 53 is likewise engageable with shovel member 52 whereby pipe P held by shovel member 52 may be moved between stationary trough 34 and drilling rig 100r D along movable trough 40. When movable trough end 44 is in its lower position, shovel member 52 holding pipe P may be moved between the two troughs.
A racking arm assembly is shown generally at 54 for moving pipe between pipe racks R, R and stationary trough 32. Pipe racks R, R are positioned on either side of stationary trough 32 and are illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising triangular shaped structures though any suitable racks may be used. Rac~ing assembly 54 is positionable or one or both sides of station-ary trough 34, as will be dcscribed in greater detail later.
Also, a tilting arm assembly shown generally at 56 is provided.
This assembly 56 moves the pipe between stationary trough 34 and racking arm assembly shown gcnerally at 54. Each of these rac~ing arms is provic3ed with a pivotal attachment 57 allowing pivotal movement in two directions so that the arms can be positioned alongside the stationary trough for easier transport of apparatus 30 and when not the particular arm i8 not being used.
Thus, as is readily apparent, plpe can be moved by ap~aratus 30 between pipe racks R, R and drilling rig floor D in one smooth operation. Pipe on drillin~ ri~ floor D i~
positioned in movable trough 40 and hcld thorein by 6hovol membcr 52, which i9 thell moved down rnovable trough 40 by carriago 53 as movable trough end 44 is moved down between masts 46, 46 by mast drive system 48 to stationary trough end 3B. When movable trou~h end 44 i~ in its lower position shovel member 52 is disengaged from carriage 53 and engaged to bugyy 50. Thus, as buggy 50 is moved in stationary trough 34 towards end 36, pipe P travels therewith until it reaches a position over tilting arm assembly 55. Tiltlng arm assembly I. l ~ Q
5G lB then tilted toward rac~ing arm assembly 54, as will be dcscribed in greater detail later. At that point, the pipe i6 moved by the racking arm assembly downward until it rests on pipe rack R. A similar procedure in rever6e is used to move the pipc ~rom pipe racks R, ~ to drilling rig floor D.
Only a sin~le opcrator is necded to operate all of the a~orementioned systelns of apparatus 30- an operator~s station or cab 58 is provided for that operator and an appropriate control panel disposed therein. Cab 58 is attached to stationary trough end 36. ~s best shown in Figure 3, cab attachment 59 includes a pivoting means whereby cab 58 may be pivoted until it rest on stationary trough 34 for easier loading and transporting of apparatus 30, ~ 'he mast drive system shown generally at 62 in Fiq. 3 is illustrated and described in further detail in commonly-owned Canadian application ~o. 393,693 filed January 7, 1982. Briefly, though, mast drive system 62 includes a chain 45 connected at one end to movable trough end 44 and at the other end to a hydraulic cylinder assembly, which in the preferred embodiment comprises two parallel hydraulic cylinders, positioned between and adjacent masts 46, 46. As the cylinders are pressurized, the chain lifts movable trough end 44. Also, masts, 46 46 may be rotated between a vertical position and ----------11~1ti3~i(3 a horizontal position generally resting on trough 34 by ahydraulic lift ~ystem shown generally at 64. System 64 causes mast~ 46, 46 to pivot at 65 in a manner indicated by the arrows and phantom lines of Figure 1.
Buggy 50 has a spine portion 66 depending therefrom and extending into slot 68 along the middle of stationary trough 34, as best shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 3, endless chain 70 is connected at opposite ends thereof to splne 66 and is powered to move buggy 50 along the stationary trough. A shock absorber mechanism 72 is employed along chain 70 to absorb some of the impact forces as pipe P move~
from movable trough 40 to stationary trough 34.
Tilting arm assembly 56 is illustrated in Figures 4-10 Tilting arm assembly 5G comprises two sets of tilting arms 74 and each of these tilting arms 74 defines a wishbone shape, as well illustrated in Figure 10. This wishbone shape includes arm portions 7~ and 78 and hands 80 and 82.
Hand 3urfaces 84 and 86 are shaped so that they lie ~lush with the surface of stationary trou~h 34 whon th~ tilting arm is in the down or non-tilted position, as can seen in Figure 4. The arm further includes holes 88 and 89 which provide pivotal connections.
As shown in Figure 6, cylinder 90 is pivotally connected at each o~ its en~, lower end 92 and upper pi~ton rod end 94. End 92 plVots about pin 9G which i5 mounted to ear 98.
Ear 98 is securely mounted on cross member 100 of frame 32.
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End 94 pivots about pin 102 which passes through hole B9.
Member 74, in addition to pivoting about pin 102, al 80 pivots about pin 104. Pin 104 which passes through hole 88 is bolted to the stationary trough, as best shown in Figure 6. Thus, as hydraulic cylinder 90 is pressurized by hydraulic fluid, its piston rod lOS extends arm 74 upward and thereby pivots it about pin 104. As it pivots, it extends through opening 106 (best shown in Figure 4) in stationary trough 34 with surface 86 contacting a length of pipe P held therein and lifting it out of the stationary trough and rolling it towards the pipe rack R. Each set of arms is spaced a distance less then the length of a pipe and the hydraulic cylinders for them are pressurized at the same time so that the pipe is lifted in an even, horizontal manner.
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, racking assembly 54 is shown. It ba~ically comprises an arm 110, pivotally attached at its upper end to stationary trough 34 by pivotal attachment 57 and resting at its lower end on the ground, or similar surface, G. A hydraulic cylinder 112 i9 mounted in arm 110, which includea two interconnected box Rtructures 111, 111, at its ends 114 and 116. A racking arm cross head assembly 118 i~ attached at the end of piston rod 120 of hydraulic cylinder 112. A leaf chain 122 is attached at one end adjacent end 116 and at its other end to a lifting lug assembly shown generally at 124 It is lifting lug a~sembly 124 which cradles pipe P against arm 110 and, when pulled by leaf chain 122, lifts the pipe along the arm to stationary trough 134. Racking arm cross-head as~embly 118 includes 3~ 3~
two parallel wheels 126, 126 which, when moved by piston 120, roll in arm 110 and about which leaf chain 122, 122 are reaved, as best shown in Figure 11. Lifting lug assembly 124 includes two triangular shaped plates 128, 128, connected at one corner thereof by a roller tube 130. Roller tube 130 has welded thereto a pair of leaf chained clevise assemblies 132, 132 to which leaf chains 122, 122 are attached. A
roller ~haft 134 also interconnects plates 128, 128 at a second corner thereof. Rotatably secured to shaft 134 at either ends thereof and outside of plates 128, 128 are two weight members 136, 136 whlch are pivotally attached thereto and depending therefrom providing the needed weight to keep leaf chain 122 taut at all times. At the third corner of triangular plates 12~, 128, a cam follower 133 is rotatably attached. As best shown in Figure 12, and as lifting lug assembly i8 moved to the upper end of arm 110, cam follower 138 i9 cammed against surface 139 towards stationary trough 134 thereby causing a lifting lug assembly 124 to tilt towards stationary trough 34 and dumping pipe P into the trough. As hydraùlic cylinder 112 i~ depre8~3urized and piston 120 accordingly retracted, lifting lug assembly 124 aided by weight members 136, 136 is dropped down along the arm 110 past end 116 to ground G. Leaf chain 122 thùs follows a path from point 116 down to point 114 and this allows for a racking arm assembly that does not require the piston to extend the full length of the arm member.
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Referring to Figure 1, it is seen that on either side of stationary trough 134 there are two racking arm assemblies 54, 54 on either side thereof. Each of the assemblies on one side of the stationary trough, or in the preferred embodiment on both sides of the stationary trough, are of identical construction and the hydraulic cylinders therefore are pressurized in parallel and identical manners 80 that the lifting lug assemblies travel up the respective arms at identical rates and the pipe moves in a level, horizontal manner. However, the racking arms assemblies on either side of the stationary trough are designed to operate independently of each other. Further, when the cradling lugs on one side of the stationary trough are dumping pipe into the trough, the cradling lugs on the other side can be in their upper position. This provides a safety stop so that when pipe is dumped into one side of the trough by the cradling lugs, it does not roll out the other side.
As previously mentioned, pivotal attachment 57 for the racking arm assembly allows for pivokal m~vem~nt of arm 110 about two axes, as best shown in Figure 4. Pivotal attach-ment 57 includes a plate member 138 attached to the side of the stationary trough 3~ by pivot assembly 140 which allows pivotal movement about axes 140a as shown in Figure 4.
Plate 138 further comprises two pair of ear members 142, 142 each having holes 144, 144 passing therethrough. Each pair of ears 142, 142 are spaced defining a slot there-through in which tabs 145, 145 of structures 111, 111 can be placed. Tabs 145, 145 also have holes alignable wlth the holes in ears 142, 142 and through which pivot pins 146, 146 are positioned. Arm 110 is able to pivot about pins 146, 146, that is, about axis 146a. Arm 110, thus, may be moved between a down position resting on the ground and a horizontal, or stored, positlon agalnst the stationary trough.
As shown in Figure 19, buggy 50 has a spine portion 66 depending therefrom which passes through the slot in station-ary trough 34. On opposing sides of spine portion 66 and at either end~ thereof are two sets of rotatably mounted wheel a~semblies 150. Wheel assemblies 150 are adapted to ride in channel 151 extending the length of and beneath stationary trough 34. Thus, the endless chain mounted at either end of the spine pulls buggy 50 which then rolls on its wheel assemblies 150, 150. Buggy 50 also has a horizontal member 152 which has a bottGm contour similar to that of the stationary trough. At the rear edge of member 152 and mounted perpendicular thereto is a vertical member 154 and mounted on the back side of member 154 are two hooks 156, 156 having their hook portion extending over the top of member 154. It is hooks 156, 156 which engage shovel member 52.
As best shown in Figure 20, shovel member 52 has a horizontal ba6e member 160 contoured ~o that it can freely slide in ~tationary trough 34 and in movable trough 40. The forward tip of member 160 has, as best shown in Figure 16, a beveled cutout 162 at the location that would be exposed to 3(~ i the greatest impact or damaging contact forces. Mounted vertically in a central section of member 160 is a striker plate 164, A resilient material or coating 166 is added to the forward face of plate 164. Coating 166 is added to provide a resilient surface against which pipe P can impact thereby absorbing some of the impact forces as well as preventing damage to the pin end of pipe P. Attached to the rear edge 168 of member 160 and at a angle to the horizontal arm members 170, 170, is a bar 172, which is mounted between arms 170, 170 at their uppermost ends. It is bar 172 which can be held by hooks 156, 156 of buggy 50 when shovel member 52 i5 moved ~y buggy 50. Shovel member 52 further includes a vertical spine 174 mounted in the center of plate 160 between plate 164 and arms 170. Spine 174 provide~ needed structural support. Thus, as shovel member 52 i8 moved by buggy 50, bar 172 is held by hooks 156, as shown in Figure 14. Referring now to Figure 15, it is seen that as buggy 50 pushe8 shovel member 53 and thus pipe P up movable trough end 44, shovel member 53 rotates about edge 168 thereby rotating bar 172 down and out oE engagement with hooks 156 so that it can move up the movable trough. The present invention teaches two methods for holding shovel member 53 and moving it along movable trough 40.
One method is illustrated in Figures 20 and 21 and includes a bucket assembly shown generally at la0. Greater detail and explanation for the operation of one suitable bucket assembly 180 is found in the previously incorporated applications. Briefly, though, it includes a chain drive (not shown herein), which pulls mast structure 182, 182. A
plurality of arm scgments 184, 184 are attached to mast structure 1~2. sucket assembly 180 further includes a mechanism (not illustrated herein) for closing and opening arm segment~ 184 when buc~et 180 is adjacent movable trough end 44, Thi~ mechanism provide~ a camming action which closes arm segements 184 as bucket assembly 180 is pulled by the chain drive away from end 44, and also opens the arms as the bucket assembly approaches end 44. Arm segments 184 close around plate 164 holding shovel member 53 therein for travel along movable trough 40.
The second embodiment is shown Figures 22 and 23. It provides for a carriage 186 driven by continuous chain 188, which reeves about drive sproc~et 189, along the length of movable trough 40. This embodirnent further includes a slightly mod:ified shovel member 190 having a longer forward plate member 192 and also having a first latch portion 194 depending thererom at a orward location o~ plate 192.
Firr~t latch portion 194 is adaptad to engage a s¢cond ma~ed latch portion 196 mounted on carriage 186. As shown in Figure 23, these two latch portions engage as shovel member 53 is moved onto movable trough 40 and carriage 186 i~
pulled by chain 188 up movable trough 40. This latching and unl~tchinq procedure is activated by the aforementioned rotating action of the shovel member about its edge 168 as it moves between the two troughs.
From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the aforementioned invention pertains. However, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appended claims.
In the prior art there are various methods and devices for lifting and moving plpe to and from pipe racks and an elevated drilling rig floor. One of such methods simply attaches a wire cable to the pipe and then the cable is lifted by a hydraulic winch which is typically mounted on the truck parked near the rig. Cranes and hydraulic driven chalns have also been used to lift and move the pipe. These methods have proven t~ be ~ery slow and thus very costly.
They also have required additional per~onnel to handle the pipe at both the drilling rig site and at the pipe rack. As the pipe was transferred it could become unattached from the pipe lifting structure or more commonly could swing about there~y injuring persol)nel, or dama~ing the pipe or adjacent structure.
More recently machines ~)ave ~een built which have reduced these problems. However, these machines have also proven to be slow and cum~ersome, as well as proven to be unsafe.
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ti3~
Machines have been built in the past which included a flxed trough, devices for moving pipe from the pipe rack to that trough, a moving means for moving the pipe from the fixed trough to a movable trough, and means for removing the pipe from the movable trough to the drilling rig floor.
But, as has been previously discussed, these machines have proven to be cumbersome and slow.
Additionally, a pair of pipe racking arms positioned on either side of the stationary trough have been used. A
length of chaln is reeved about appropriate sprocket~ connecting pipe cradling lugs on legs on opposing sides of the station-ary trough. A similar chain and lug assembly was provided on the other opposing pair of arms. A heavy and expensive motor and a large, single shaft drive apparatus were employed to turn the sprockets. Thus, as the shaft turned, both the cradling lugs on one side of the stationary trough would be moving upwardly while the opposing lugs on the other side of the trough would be moving in a downward direction. This often proved to be unnecessary and unsafe since only the arms of one side of the trough or the other were being used at any one time.
To move the pipe from the stationary trough to the racking arms a dump trough system has been used. This system employed a tiltable segment of trough tilted hy two pair of hydraulic cylinders positioned at either ends thereof.
This system proved to be very fragile because the pivot point for the dump trough portion was at one end of the hydraulic cylinder, and because the hydraulic cylinders had -to lift an entire trough section as well as the pipe.
The operator's station in prior machines was a separate unit connected by appropriate control lines. This unit was difficult to lift onto a transporting vehicle wh~n being moved between drilling riq sites and would have to be lifted separately from the troughs.
Another problem present in prior art machin~s was that no suitable method had becn developed ~or moving the pipe bctween the fixed trough and the inclined trough and then from the inclined trough to the drillinc~ rig floor. Some past devices even required personnel to be position~d ad~acent to the movable trough to hoo~ the pipe to suitable lifting means. This, of course, proved to be slow, costly and dangerous. MechaniCal devices used to move the pipe were slow and often mechanically complicated. They also would bang the pipe about damaging the pin ends thereof or the pipe handling apparatus's drive chains.
Objects of the Invention Accordingly, it is the principal object of the prescnt invention to provide an improved machine for t~ansEerring pipe b~tween a pipe r~ck dnd thc ~loor o~ a drilling rig, and conversely during other sequences in the drilling operation to tran6fer yipe from the drillinq floor to the pipe rack.
~ ccording to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for transferring pipe to and from the floor of a drilling rig comprising:
a stationary trough means for receiving and supporting pipe adapted to be located below the level of the floor of the drilling rig with one encl extending toward said rig and located in proximity to said rig, a support means located at said one end of said stationary trough means, a movable trough means for receiving and supporting pipe aligned with said stationary trough means and having a first end coupled to said support means for generally vertical movement between a lower position and an upper position and having an opposite end adjacent said rig, said lower position being adjacent to said one end of said stationary trough means to perrnit the transfer of pipe between said movable and said stationary trough means, and said upper position being generally ahove and substantially spaced from said one end of said stationary trough means, a power means at said support means for moving said first end of said movable trough rneans between said lower and upper positions, a first moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said stationary trough means to said one end and onto said movable trough means when said first end of said movable trough means is in said lower position and for allowing pipe to move down from said movable teouc3h means when said movable trough means is in saicl lower position ancl into and along said stationary trough means, a second moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said movable trough means between said first end when said movable trough means is i.n said lower position and said second end when in said upper position, and a holding means for holding pipe as it is moved by said first and second moving means and transferred between said first and second moving means.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those pcrsons havin~ ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embody-ing the present invention in use a~ a drilling rig site.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the stationary trough of Figure 2; the forward end of the movable trough i9 shown in phantom lines in its lower position.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the tilting arms of the stationary trough or Figure l; one pair of tiltlng arms is shown in phantom lines in its raised or tilted position and the racking arms are shown in phantom lines in their down ~osition.
Figure 5 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the tilting arms of Figures 1 and 4.
Figure 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the tilting arms of Figure 5; one tilting arm thereof is indicated in phantom lines in its raised or tilted position.
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 2 illustrating the tilting arms of Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 8 i6 a bottom plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7, Figure 10 i8 a ~ide elevational view of one of the arm members of the tilting arms of Figure 6, illustrated in isolation for clarity's sake.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary, partially broken away side elevational view of one of the racking arms of Figure 1.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 11 wherein the movement of the cradling lug is illustrated in phantom lines.
Figure 13 i8 a cross-sectional view of the racking arm of Figure 12 taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12~
Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the buggy in the stationary trough of Figure 1 illustrating the movement thereof as it pu~hes a pipe along the ~kakion~r~ krough.
Figure 15 i~ a view similar to that of Figure 14 further illustrating the pipe-holding shovel assembly thereof a8 it engages and rides up the movable trough.
Figure 16 is a top plan view taken along line 16-16 of Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 16.
Figure 18 i6 a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Figure 16.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the carriage of Figures 1 and 14.
Figure 20 is a fragmentary, perspectivc view of one embodiment of the prescnt invention illustrating the shovel member as it moves onto the lower end of the movable trough of Figure 1 when in its lower position; the arm mcmbers are shown in their open position.
Figure 21 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 20 illustrating the arms in their closed position as they move a length of pipe resting in the movable trough along that trough.
Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating the lower end of the movable trough in its lower position.
Figure 23 i8 a view similar to that of Figure 22 wherein the shovel member has engaged the carriage of th~ movable trough.
General ~er-;cription ~ eferring to Figure 1, there is illu~trated an apparatus of an embodiment of the prescnt invention shown generally at 30 for handling pipe P and other tubulars. This apparatus generally includes a main support frame 32 shown positioned on a catwalk C, a stationary trough 3q having ends 36 and 38 1~tj3~ I~b r~sting on and supported by support frame 32, and a movable trough 40 supported at one end 42 on drilling rig D and at its other end 44 by a pair of masts 46, 46. Ma~ts 46, 46 are mo~nted on opposite sides of stationary trough end 38.
A mast drive system shown generally at 48 lifts and lowers movable trough end 44 between masts 46, 46. As movable trough end 44 is raised to its upper position, movable trough end 42 is caused to slide further on to drilling rig floor D and to be positioned generally lower relative to drilling rig floor D whereby a length of pipe may be more easily removed from movable tro~gh 40. When movable trough end 44 is in its lower position, movable trough 40 and stationary trough 36 are adjacent cach other and are in alignment so that pipe can slide between them.
A buggy 50 i8 powered to ride in stationary trough 34 between ends 36 and 38 thereof. Buggy 50 enyages a shovel member 52 which ls adapted to hold one end of a length o pipe P.
Shovel member 52 is also engag~able with a carriage or similar means 53 positioned in movable trough 40. Carriage 53 is similarly powcrcd to move along movable trough 40 between ends 42 and 44 thereof. Carriage 53 is likewise engageable with shovel member 52 whereby pipe P held by shovel member 52 may be moved between stationary trough 34 and drilling rig 100r D along movable trough 40. When movable trough end 44 is in its lower position, shovel member 52 holding pipe P may be moved between the two troughs.
A racking arm assembly is shown generally at 54 for moving pipe between pipe racks R, R and stationary trough 32. Pipe racks R, R are positioned on either side of stationary trough 32 and are illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising triangular shaped structures though any suitable racks may be used. Rac~ing assembly 54 is positionable or one or both sides of station-ary trough 34, as will be dcscribed in greater detail later.
Also, a tilting arm assembly shown generally at 56 is provided.
This assembly 56 moves the pipe between stationary trough 34 and racking arm assembly shown gcnerally at 54. Each of these rac~ing arms is provic3ed with a pivotal attachment 57 allowing pivotal movement in two directions so that the arms can be positioned alongside the stationary trough for easier transport of apparatus 30 and when not the particular arm i8 not being used.
Thus, as is readily apparent, plpe can be moved by ap~aratus 30 between pipe racks R, R and drilling rig floor D in one smooth operation. Pipe on drillin~ ri~ floor D i~
positioned in movable trough 40 and hcld thorein by 6hovol membcr 52, which i9 thell moved down rnovable trough 40 by carriago 53 as movable trough end 44 is moved down between masts 46, 46 by mast drive system 48 to stationary trough end 3B. When movable trou~h end 44 i~ in its lower position shovel member 52 is disengaged from carriage 53 and engaged to bugyy 50. Thus, as buggy 50 is moved in stationary trough 34 towards end 36, pipe P travels therewith until it reaches a position over tilting arm assembly 55. Tiltlng arm assembly I. l ~ Q
5G lB then tilted toward rac~ing arm assembly 54, as will be dcscribed in greater detail later. At that point, the pipe i6 moved by the racking arm assembly downward until it rests on pipe rack R. A similar procedure in rever6e is used to move the pipc ~rom pipe racks R, ~ to drilling rig floor D.
Only a sin~le opcrator is necded to operate all of the a~orementioned systelns of apparatus 30- an operator~s station or cab 58 is provided for that operator and an appropriate control panel disposed therein. Cab 58 is attached to stationary trough end 36. ~s best shown in Figure 3, cab attachment 59 includes a pivoting means whereby cab 58 may be pivoted until it rest on stationary trough 34 for easier loading and transporting of apparatus 30, ~ 'he mast drive system shown generally at 62 in Fiq. 3 is illustrated and described in further detail in commonly-owned Canadian application ~o. 393,693 filed January 7, 1982. Briefly, though, mast drive system 62 includes a chain 45 connected at one end to movable trough end 44 and at the other end to a hydraulic cylinder assembly, which in the preferred embodiment comprises two parallel hydraulic cylinders, positioned between and adjacent masts 46, 46. As the cylinders are pressurized, the chain lifts movable trough end 44. Also, masts, 46 46 may be rotated between a vertical position and ----------11~1ti3~i(3 a horizontal position generally resting on trough 34 by ahydraulic lift ~ystem shown generally at 64. System 64 causes mast~ 46, 46 to pivot at 65 in a manner indicated by the arrows and phantom lines of Figure 1.
Buggy 50 has a spine portion 66 depending therefrom and extending into slot 68 along the middle of stationary trough 34, as best shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 3, endless chain 70 is connected at opposite ends thereof to splne 66 and is powered to move buggy 50 along the stationary trough. A shock absorber mechanism 72 is employed along chain 70 to absorb some of the impact forces as pipe P move~
from movable trough 40 to stationary trough 34.
Tilting arm assembly 56 is illustrated in Figures 4-10 Tilting arm assembly 5G comprises two sets of tilting arms 74 and each of these tilting arms 74 defines a wishbone shape, as well illustrated in Figure 10. This wishbone shape includes arm portions 7~ and 78 and hands 80 and 82.
Hand 3urfaces 84 and 86 are shaped so that they lie ~lush with the surface of stationary trou~h 34 whon th~ tilting arm is in the down or non-tilted position, as can seen in Figure 4. The arm further includes holes 88 and 89 which provide pivotal connections.
As shown in Figure 6, cylinder 90 is pivotally connected at each o~ its en~, lower end 92 and upper pi~ton rod end 94. End 92 plVots about pin 9G which i5 mounted to ear 98.
Ear 98 is securely mounted on cross member 100 of frame 32.
l~ S~
End 94 pivots about pin 102 which passes through hole B9.
Member 74, in addition to pivoting about pin 102, al 80 pivots about pin 104. Pin 104 which passes through hole 88 is bolted to the stationary trough, as best shown in Figure 6. Thus, as hydraulic cylinder 90 is pressurized by hydraulic fluid, its piston rod lOS extends arm 74 upward and thereby pivots it about pin 104. As it pivots, it extends through opening 106 (best shown in Figure 4) in stationary trough 34 with surface 86 contacting a length of pipe P held therein and lifting it out of the stationary trough and rolling it towards the pipe rack R. Each set of arms is spaced a distance less then the length of a pipe and the hydraulic cylinders for them are pressurized at the same time so that the pipe is lifted in an even, horizontal manner.
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, racking assembly 54 is shown. It ba~ically comprises an arm 110, pivotally attached at its upper end to stationary trough 34 by pivotal attachment 57 and resting at its lower end on the ground, or similar surface, G. A hydraulic cylinder 112 i9 mounted in arm 110, which includea two interconnected box Rtructures 111, 111, at its ends 114 and 116. A racking arm cross head assembly 118 i~ attached at the end of piston rod 120 of hydraulic cylinder 112. A leaf chain 122 is attached at one end adjacent end 116 and at its other end to a lifting lug assembly shown generally at 124 It is lifting lug a~sembly 124 which cradles pipe P against arm 110 and, when pulled by leaf chain 122, lifts the pipe along the arm to stationary trough 134. Racking arm cross-head as~embly 118 includes 3~ 3~
two parallel wheels 126, 126 which, when moved by piston 120, roll in arm 110 and about which leaf chain 122, 122 are reaved, as best shown in Figure 11. Lifting lug assembly 124 includes two triangular shaped plates 128, 128, connected at one corner thereof by a roller tube 130. Roller tube 130 has welded thereto a pair of leaf chained clevise assemblies 132, 132 to which leaf chains 122, 122 are attached. A
roller ~haft 134 also interconnects plates 128, 128 at a second corner thereof. Rotatably secured to shaft 134 at either ends thereof and outside of plates 128, 128 are two weight members 136, 136 whlch are pivotally attached thereto and depending therefrom providing the needed weight to keep leaf chain 122 taut at all times. At the third corner of triangular plates 12~, 128, a cam follower 133 is rotatably attached. As best shown in Figure 12, and as lifting lug assembly i8 moved to the upper end of arm 110, cam follower 138 i9 cammed against surface 139 towards stationary trough 134 thereby causing a lifting lug assembly 124 to tilt towards stationary trough 34 and dumping pipe P into the trough. As hydraùlic cylinder 112 i~ depre8~3urized and piston 120 accordingly retracted, lifting lug assembly 124 aided by weight members 136, 136 is dropped down along the arm 110 past end 116 to ground G. Leaf chain 122 thùs follows a path from point 116 down to point 114 and this allows for a racking arm assembly that does not require the piston to extend the full length of the arm member.
1.1~tj3~.~
Referring to Figure 1, it is seen that on either side of stationary trough 134 there are two racking arm assemblies 54, 54 on either side thereof. Each of the assemblies on one side of the stationary trough, or in the preferred embodiment on both sides of the stationary trough, are of identical construction and the hydraulic cylinders therefore are pressurized in parallel and identical manners 80 that the lifting lug assemblies travel up the respective arms at identical rates and the pipe moves in a level, horizontal manner. However, the racking arms assemblies on either side of the stationary trough are designed to operate independently of each other. Further, when the cradling lugs on one side of the stationary trough are dumping pipe into the trough, the cradling lugs on the other side can be in their upper position. This provides a safety stop so that when pipe is dumped into one side of the trough by the cradling lugs, it does not roll out the other side.
As previously mentioned, pivotal attachment 57 for the racking arm assembly allows for pivokal m~vem~nt of arm 110 about two axes, as best shown in Figure 4. Pivotal attach-ment 57 includes a plate member 138 attached to the side of the stationary trough 3~ by pivot assembly 140 which allows pivotal movement about axes 140a as shown in Figure 4.
Plate 138 further comprises two pair of ear members 142, 142 each having holes 144, 144 passing therethrough. Each pair of ears 142, 142 are spaced defining a slot there-through in which tabs 145, 145 of structures 111, 111 can be placed. Tabs 145, 145 also have holes alignable wlth the holes in ears 142, 142 and through which pivot pins 146, 146 are positioned. Arm 110 is able to pivot about pins 146, 146, that is, about axis 146a. Arm 110, thus, may be moved between a down position resting on the ground and a horizontal, or stored, positlon agalnst the stationary trough.
As shown in Figure 19, buggy 50 has a spine portion 66 depending therefrom which passes through the slot in station-ary trough 34. On opposing sides of spine portion 66 and at either end~ thereof are two sets of rotatably mounted wheel a~semblies 150. Wheel assemblies 150 are adapted to ride in channel 151 extending the length of and beneath stationary trough 34. Thus, the endless chain mounted at either end of the spine pulls buggy 50 which then rolls on its wheel assemblies 150, 150. Buggy 50 also has a horizontal member 152 which has a bottGm contour similar to that of the stationary trough. At the rear edge of member 152 and mounted perpendicular thereto is a vertical member 154 and mounted on the back side of member 154 are two hooks 156, 156 having their hook portion extending over the top of member 154. It is hooks 156, 156 which engage shovel member 52.
As best shown in Figure 20, shovel member 52 has a horizontal ba6e member 160 contoured ~o that it can freely slide in ~tationary trough 34 and in movable trough 40. The forward tip of member 160 has, as best shown in Figure 16, a beveled cutout 162 at the location that would be exposed to 3(~ i the greatest impact or damaging contact forces. Mounted vertically in a central section of member 160 is a striker plate 164, A resilient material or coating 166 is added to the forward face of plate 164. Coating 166 is added to provide a resilient surface against which pipe P can impact thereby absorbing some of the impact forces as well as preventing damage to the pin end of pipe P. Attached to the rear edge 168 of member 160 and at a angle to the horizontal arm members 170, 170, is a bar 172, which is mounted between arms 170, 170 at their uppermost ends. It is bar 172 which can be held by hooks 156, 156 of buggy 50 when shovel member 52 i5 moved ~y buggy 50. Shovel member 52 further includes a vertical spine 174 mounted in the center of plate 160 between plate 164 and arms 170. Spine 174 provide~ needed structural support. Thus, as shovel member 52 i8 moved by buggy 50, bar 172 is held by hooks 156, as shown in Figure 14. Referring now to Figure 15, it is seen that as buggy 50 pushe8 shovel member 53 and thus pipe P up movable trough end 44, shovel member 53 rotates about edge 168 thereby rotating bar 172 down and out oE engagement with hooks 156 so that it can move up the movable trough. The present invention teaches two methods for holding shovel member 53 and moving it along movable trough 40.
One method is illustrated in Figures 20 and 21 and includes a bucket assembly shown generally at la0. Greater detail and explanation for the operation of one suitable bucket assembly 180 is found in the previously incorporated applications. Briefly, though, it includes a chain drive (not shown herein), which pulls mast structure 182, 182. A
plurality of arm scgments 184, 184 are attached to mast structure 1~2. sucket assembly 180 further includes a mechanism (not illustrated herein) for closing and opening arm segment~ 184 when buc~et 180 is adjacent movable trough end 44, Thi~ mechanism provide~ a camming action which closes arm segements 184 as bucket assembly 180 is pulled by the chain drive away from end 44, and also opens the arms as the bucket assembly approaches end 44. Arm segments 184 close around plate 164 holding shovel member 53 therein for travel along movable trough 40.
The second embodiment is shown Figures 22 and 23. It provides for a carriage 186 driven by continuous chain 188, which reeves about drive sproc~et 189, along the length of movable trough 40. This embodirnent further includes a slightly mod:ified shovel member 190 having a longer forward plate member 192 and also having a first latch portion 194 depending thererom at a orward location o~ plate 192.
Firr~t latch portion 194 is adaptad to engage a s¢cond ma~ed latch portion 196 mounted on carriage 186. As shown in Figure 23, these two latch portions engage as shovel member 53 is moved onto movable trough 40 and carriage 186 i~
pulled by chain 188 up movable trough 40. This latching and unl~tchinq procedure is activated by the aforementioned rotating action of the shovel member about its edge 168 as it moves between the two troughs.
From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the aforementioned invention pertains. However, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appended claims.
Claims (33)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus for transferring pipe between a trough and one or more pipe racks positioned adjacent at least one side of the trough comprising:
a trough, an arm connected at one end to said trough and supported at the other end by a surface below said trough, a pipe cradling means for cradling pipe as the pipe is moved along said arm between said pipe rack and said trough, a fluid actuated cylinder means associated with said arm for moving said cradling means along said arm when said cylinder means is pressurized, and a connecting means for operatively connecting said cylinder means to said cradling means.
a trough, an arm connected at one end to said trough and supported at the other end by a surface below said trough, a pipe cradling means for cradling pipe as the pipe is moved along said arm between said pipe rack and said trough, a fluid actuated cylinder means associated with said arm for moving said cradling means along said arm when said cylinder means is pressurized, and a connecting means for operatively connecting said cylinder means to said cradling means.
2. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 1 wherein:
said cylinder means is attached to and disposed generally parallel to said arm.
said cylinder means is attached to and disposed generally parallel to said arm.
3. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 2 wherein:
said connecting means comprises a chain means.
said connecting means comprises a chain means.
4. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 3 wherein:
said chain means has one end attached to the cylinder of said cylinder means, has a second end attached to said cradling means and is reeved about the end of the piston of said cylinder means so that said cradling means moves along said arm as said cylinder means is pressurized.
said chain means has one end attached to the cylinder of said cylinder means, has a second end attached to said cradling means and is reeved about the end of the piston of said cylinder means so that said cradling means moves along said arm as said cylinder means is pressurized.
5. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 2 further comprising:
a tilting means for tilting said cradling means toward said trough when said cradling means is positioned at said one end of said arm whereby pipe may be rolled from said cradling means to said trough.
a tilting means for tilting said cradling means toward said trough when said cradling means is positioned at said one end of said arm whereby pipe may be rolled from said cradling means to said trough.
6. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 5 wherein:
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
7. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 4 further comprising:
a tilting means for tilting said cradling means toward said trough when said cradling means is positioned at said one end of said arm whereby pipe may be rolled from said cradling means to said trough.
a tilting means for tilting said cradling means toward said trough when said cradling means is positioned at said one end of said arm whereby pipe may be rolled from said cradling means to said trough.
8. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 7 wherein:
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface when said cradling means is moved by said chain toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface when said cradling means is moved by said chain toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
9. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claims 1, 2 or 5, further comprising:
a lug means attached to said cradling means for weighting said cradling means thereby keeping said connecting means taut.
a lug means attached to said cradling means for weighting said cradling means thereby keeping said connecting means taut.
10. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claims 1, 2 or 5, further comprising:
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
11. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claims 1, 2 or 5, further comprising:
a lug means attached to said cradling means for weighting said cradling means thereby keeping said connecting means taut, a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
a lug means attached to said cradling means for weighting said cradling means thereby keeping said connecting means taut, a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
12. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 5, wherein:
said trough has first and second sides and said arm is connected to said first side.
said trough has first and second sides and said arm is connected to said first side.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising:
a means connected to said trough to said second side for preventing pipe which has been rolled from said cradling means by said tilting means to said trough from rolling out of said second side.
a means connected to said trough to said second side for preventing pipe which has been rolled from said cradling means by said tilting means to said trough from rolling out of said second side.
14. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 13, further comprising:
a lug means attached to said cradling means for weighting said cradling means thereby keeping said connecting means taut.
a lug means attached to said cradling means for weighting said cradling means thereby keeping said connecting means taut.
15. Apparatus for transferring pipe according to any one of claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein:
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
16. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 14, further comprising:
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
17. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 15, further comprising:
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
18. Apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein:
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
19. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 7, wherein:
said trough has first and second sides and said arm is connected to said first side.
said trough has first and second sides and said arm is connected to said first side.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising:
a means connected to said trough to said second side for preventing pipe which has been rolled from said cradling means by said tilting means to said trough from rolling out of said second side.
a means connected to said trough to said second side for preventing pipe which has been rolled from said cradling means by said tilting means to said trough from rolling out of said second side.
21. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 20, further comprising:
a lug means attached to said cradling means for weighting said cradling means thereby keeping said connecting means taut.
a lug means attached to said cradling means for weighting said cradling means thereby keeping said connecting means taut.
22. Apparatus for transferring pipe according to any one of claims 19, 20 or 21, wherein:
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
23. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 21, further comprising:
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
24. The apparatus for transferring pipe according to claim 23, further comprising:
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
25. Apparatus according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein:
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
said tilting means includes a camming means connected to said cradling means and a cam surface on said one end of said arm, and said camming means follows said cam surface as said cradling means is moved toward said one end of said arm thereby tilting said cradling means.
26. An apparatus for transferring pipe between a trough and one or more pipe racks positioned adjacent at least one side of the trough comprising:
a trough, a first arm connected at one end to said trough and supported at the other end oby a surface below said trough, a first pipe cradling means for cradling pipe as the pipe is moved along said first arm between said pipe rack and said trough, a first fluid actuated cylinder means associated with said first arm for moving said first cradling means along said first arm when said first cylinder means is pressurized, a first connecting means for operatively connecting said first cylinder means to said first cradling means, a second arm connected at one end to said trough a distance from said first arm and supported at the other end by a surface below said trough, a second pipe cradling means for cradling pipe as the pipe is moved along said second arm between said pipe rack and said trough, a second fluid actuated cylinder means associated with said second arm for moving said second cradling means along said second arm when said second cylinder means is pressurized, a second connecting means for operatively connecting said second cylinder means to said second cradling means, and a control means for pressurizing said first and second fluid actuated cylinder means at the same time whereby said first and second pipe cradling means move the pipe in a horizontal position.
a trough, a first arm connected at one end to said trough and supported at the other end oby a surface below said trough, a first pipe cradling means for cradling pipe as the pipe is moved along said first arm between said pipe rack and said trough, a first fluid actuated cylinder means associated with said first arm for moving said first cradling means along said first arm when said first cylinder means is pressurized, a first connecting means for operatively connecting said first cylinder means to said first cradling means, a second arm connected at one end to said trough a distance from said first arm and supported at the other end by a surface below said trough, a second pipe cradling means for cradling pipe as the pipe is moved along said second arm between said pipe rack and said trough, a second fluid actuated cylinder means associated with said second arm for moving said second cradling means along said second arm when said second cylinder means is pressurized, a second connecting means for operatively connecting said second cylinder means to said second cradling means, and a control means for pressurizing said first and second fluid actuated cylinder means at the same time whereby said first and second pipe cradling means move the pipe in a horizontal position.
27. An apparatus for transferring pipe between a trough and one or more pipe racks positioned adjacent at least one side of said trough comprising:
a trough;
one or more arms connected at one end to said trough and supported at the other end thereof on a surface below said trough, a moving means for moving pipe along the length of said arm, a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
a trough;
one or more arms connected at one end to said trough and supported at the other end thereof on a surface below said trough, a moving means for moving pipe along the length of said arm, a first connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a first horizontal axis parallel to said trough, and a second pivotal connection means allowing said arm to pivot about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to said first axis.
28. An apparatus for transferring pipe to and from the floor of a drilling rig comprising:
a stationary trough means for receiving and supporting pipe adapted to be located below the levelof said drilling rig floor with one end extending toward said rig and located in proximity to said rig, a support means located at said one end of said stationary trough means, a movable trough means for receiving and supporting pipe aligned with said stationary trough means and having a first end coupled to said support means for generally vertical movement between a lower position and an upper position and having an opposite end adjacent said rig, said lower position being adjacent to said one end of said stationary trough means to permit the transfer of pipe between said movable and said stationary trough means, said upper position being generally above and substantially spaced from said one end of said stationary trough means, a first moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said stationary trough means to said one end and onto said movable trough means when said first end of said movable trough means is in said lower position and flor allowing pipe to move down from said movable trough means when said movable trough means is in said lower position and into and along said stationary trough means, a power means at said support means for moving said first end of said movable trough means between said lower and upper positions, a transferring means for transferring pipe from said movable trough means when in said upper position to said drilling rig floor, a station for the operator of the apparatus disposed on the end of said stationary trough means opposite said one end, and a connecting means for connecting said station to said opposite end.
a stationary trough means for receiving and supporting pipe adapted to be located below the levelof said drilling rig floor with one end extending toward said rig and located in proximity to said rig, a support means located at said one end of said stationary trough means, a movable trough means for receiving and supporting pipe aligned with said stationary trough means and having a first end coupled to said support means for generally vertical movement between a lower position and an upper position and having an opposite end adjacent said rig, said lower position being adjacent to said one end of said stationary trough means to permit the transfer of pipe between said movable and said stationary trough means, said upper position being generally above and substantially spaced from said one end of said stationary trough means, a first moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said stationary trough means to said one end and onto said movable trough means when said first end of said movable trough means is in said lower position and flor allowing pipe to move down from said movable trough means when said movable trough means is in said lower position and into and along said stationary trough means, a power means at said support means for moving said first end of said movable trough means between said lower and upper positions, a transferring means for transferring pipe from said movable trough means when in said upper position to said drilling rig floor, a station for the operator of the apparatus disposed on the end of said stationary trough means opposite said one end, and a connecting means for connecting said station to said opposite end.
29. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein:
said connecting means includes a pivotal connection means.
said connecting means includes a pivotal connection means.
30. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein:
said pivotal connection means permits said station to pivot toward said one end so that said station rests on one side thereof on said stationary trough means.
said pivotal connection means permits said station to pivot toward said one end so that said station rests on one side thereof on said stationary trough means.
31. An apparatus for moving pipe laterally in and out of a trough comprising:
a frame, a trough which is adapted to receive and support a length of pipe supported on said frame, said trough providing a surface along which said pipe can move lengthwise, a first arm means positioned laterally beneath said surface, said first arm means having one end pivotally connected at one edge of said trough and a second end adapted to engage the pipe, a first cylinder means having a lower end pivotally attached to said frame beneath said trough and an upper end pivotally attached to said first arm means between said one end and said second end, said first arm means pivoting about said one end when said first cylinder means is pressurized and raising said second end through an opening in said trough surface thereby engaging a pipe held therein and forcing the pipe laterally out of said trough along said one side, said second end being positioned beneath said surface when said first cylinder means is not pressurized whereby pipe positioned in said trough does not contact said second end and pipe can slide lengthwise in said trough.
a frame, a trough which is adapted to receive and support a length of pipe supported on said frame, said trough providing a surface along which said pipe can move lengthwise, a first arm means positioned laterally beneath said surface, said first arm means having one end pivotally connected at one edge of said trough and a second end adapted to engage the pipe, a first cylinder means having a lower end pivotally attached to said frame beneath said trough and an upper end pivotally attached to said first arm means between said one end and said second end, said first arm means pivoting about said one end when said first cylinder means is pressurized and raising said second end through an opening in said trough surface thereby engaging a pipe held therein and forcing the pipe laterally out of said trough along said one side, said second end being positioned beneath said surface when said first cylinder means is not pressurized whereby pipe positioned in said trough does not contact said second end and pipe can slide lengthwise in said trough.
32. An apparatus for moving pipe according to claim 31, further comprising:
a second arm means positioned laterally beneath said surface and spaced a distance less than the length of pipe from said first arm means, said second arm means having one end pivotally connected at said one edge of said trough and a second end adapted to engage the pipe, a second cylinder means having a lower end pivotally attached to said frame beneath said trough and an upper end pivotally attached to said second arm means between said one end and said second end, said second arm means pivoting about said one end when said second cylinder means is pressurized and raising said second end through an opening in said trough surface engaging a pipe held therin and forcing the pipe laterally out of said trough along said one side, said second end being positioned beneath said surface when said second cylinder means is not pressurized whereby pipe positioned in the trough does not contact said second end and pipe can slide lengthwise in said trough, said first and second cylinder means acting in a parallel manner whereby said second ends of said first and second arm means move a length of pipe in a level manner into and out of said trough.
a second arm means positioned laterally beneath said surface and spaced a distance less than the length of pipe from said first arm means, said second arm means having one end pivotally connected at said one edge of said trough and a second end adapted to engage the pipe, a second cylinder means having a lower end pivotally attached to said frame beneath said trough and an upper end pivotally attached to said second arm means between said one end and said second end, said second arm means pivoting about said one end when said second cylinder means is pressurized and raising said second end through an opening in said trough surface engaging a pipe held therin and forcing the pipe laterally out of said trough along said one side, said second end being positioned beneath said surface when said second cylinder means is not pressurized whereby pipe positioned in the trough does not contact said second end and pipe can slide lengthwise in said trough, said first and second cylinder means acting in a parallel manner whereby said second ends of said first and second arm means move a length of pipe in a level manner into and out of said trough.
33. An apparatus for moving pipe according to claim 31 or claim 32, further comprising:
a third arm means positioned laterally beneath said surface, said third arm means having one end pivotally connected at the edge of said trough opposite said one edge and a second end adapted to engage the pipe, a third cylinder means having a lower end pivotally attached to said frame beneath said trough and an upper end pivotally attached to said third arm means between said one end and said second end, said third arm means pivoting about said one end when said third cylinder means is pressurized and lifting said second end through an opening in said trough surface thereby engaging a pipe held therein and forcing the pipe laterally out of said trough along the side opposite said one side, said second end being positioned beneath said surface when said third cylinder means is not pressurized whereby pipe positioned in said trough does not contact said second end and pipe can slide lengthwise in said trough.
a third arm means positioned laterally beneath said surface, said third arm means having one end pivotally connected at the edge of said trough opposite said one edge and a second end adapted to engage the pipe, a third cylinder means having a lower end pivotally attached to said frame beneath said trough and an upper end pivotally attached to said third arm means between said one end and said second end, said third arm means pivoting about said one end when said third cylinder means is pressurized and lifting said second end through an opening in said trough surface thereby engaging a pipe held therein and forcing the pipe laterally out of said trough along the side opposite said one side, said second end being positioned beneath said surface when said third cylinder means is not pressurized whereby pipe positioned in said trough does not contact said second end and pipe can slide lengthwise in said trough.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/353,925 US4474520A (en) | 1982-03-02 | 1982-03-02 | Pipe handling machine |
| CA000398365A CA1183518A (en) | 1982-03-02 | 1982-03-15 | Pipe handling machine |
| US353,925 | 1989-05-18 |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000398365A Division CA1183518A (en) | 1982-03-02 | 1982-03-15 | Pipe handling machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1186300A true CA1186300A (en) | 1985-04-30 |
Family
ID=25669617
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000454780A Expired CA1186300A (en) | 1982-03-02 | 1984-05-18 | Pipe handling machine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1186300A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-05-18 CA CA000454780A patent/CA1186300A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |