CA2224638C - Improved pipe handling apparatus - Google Patents
Improved pipe handling apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA2224638C CA2224638C CA 2224638 CA2224638A CA2224638C CA 2224638 C CA2224638 C CA 2224638C CA 2224638 CA2224638 CA 2224638 CA 2224638 A CA2224638 A CA 2224638A CA 2224638 C CA2224638 C CA 2224638C
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- catwalk
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/14—Racks, ramps, troughs or bins, for holding the lengths of rod singly or connected; Handling between storage place and borehole
- E21B19/15—Racking of rods in horizontal position; Handling between horizontal and vertical position
- E21B19/155—Handling between horizontal and vertical position
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/14—Racks, ramps, troughs or bins, for holding the lengths of rod singly or connected; Handling between storage place and borehole
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
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- Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)
Abstract
An improved pipe handling apparatus, which incorporates a catwalk assembly and trough, the trough portion of which is movable at a proximal end thereof to allow positioning proximate a rig floor to present drill pipe, collars and the like thereto. The assembly also receives drill pipe and the like from the rig floor for subsequent handling by the catwalk assembly. The assembly has a kicker assembly for ejecting pipe. In a further refinement, a pivoting leg member is provided which is releaseably coupleable to a distal end of the trough to permit raising of the trough. In another refinement, an integrated dump assembly may further be provided to receive pipe which has been ejected from the trough.
Description
IMPROVED PIPE HANDLING APPARATUS
Field of the Invention This invention relates to pipe handling systems and in particular to a pipe handling catwalk assembly for use in providing and receiving drill pipe, collars and the like to the work floor of a derrick or rig.
Background of the Invention Catwalk assemblies are used at drilling locations and are normally located close to a rig floor to assist in the handling of drill pipe and the like from storage areas to the rig platform. In the drilling of a well, supplies such as drill pipe must be transported between a pipe storage rack at ground level and the raised work floor of a derrick.
Typically, sections of drill pipe are laid down in horizontal rows on a pipe rack at a location near the derrick. There is a need to move these sections of drill pipe safely and quickly to the derrick floor using mechanical apparatus.
US 3,706,347 to Brown teaches a conveyor design having a pipe carrying trough fixed at one end to a catwalk. Brown teaches means for swivelling a conveyor for better alignment with loading equipment in addition to means for raising and lowering the end of a trough closest to the work floor, both based on a design according to which the distal end of the tough remains at a fixed elevation.
US 4,403,898 to Thompson ('898') teaches one solution to the problem of a fixed end trough which eliminates the expense and complexity of a conveyor. Such patent teaches means for allowing the pipe trough to move longitudinally towards the work floor together with means for raising the rear end of the trough in order to reduce the force needed to withdraw a section of pipe from the trough onto the work floor of a derrick.
Notably, the means by which Thompson accomplishes longitudinal motion of the pipe trough is itself complex requiring the installation of an inclined track on which to guide a carriage that supports and guides the tough during its longitudinal motion the distance of which must be adjusted by varying the track length to custom fit a particular work floor height to avoid the inclined track interfering with unloading the trough. Similarly, Thompson teaches an unnecessarily complex means for raising the rear end of a trough according to which additional tracks are required at the rear of the trough to guide a pivoting leg forward with the trough until the leg reaches a pre-set position at which its proximal end engages a stop such that the leg member rocks forward with its rear end pivotally fastened to the rear end of the trough which rises to a height determined by the length of the leg member.
Requiring the longitudinal motion of the rear leg member as well as the trough that it supports requires more moving and more expensive parts. The higher mass of the moving assembly also results in a greater impact on the stop means such that a more robust stop design is dictated. The track means in which is it guided also tends to make the 898 embodiment of the pivoting leg member prone to lateral motion and wear resulting in an increasingly less stable mechanism over time.
At Figure 10 US 4,386,883 to Hogan, in Fig. 10 thereof, teaches a variation on 898 to Thompson in which a carriage on top of a track rather than rollers in a track is used to permit a pivoting leg member at the rear of the pipe trough to move longitudinally with the trough until it reaches a stop member causing the leg member to rock forward with its rear end pivotally fastened to the rear end of the trough which rises to a height determined by the length of the leg member. The leg member is telescopic such that the height to which the rear of the trough may be raised is partially adjustable. Hogan's track engaging assembly slidably engages the track and supports the pipe trough as it moves between its lowered position and one of its raised, longitudinally shifted positions. Hogan's preferred embodiment teaches a first linkage member and a parallel, spatially disposed second linkage member pivotally connecting the trough to the track engaging assembly that rides on the center rail of a track rather than the wider (potentially more stable) dual outer tracks of the Thompson design. In any event, both Hogan and Thompson teach means for lifting the rear or distal end of a moving trough based on a pivoting leg member that is connected to and moves with the trough resulting in the complexity and stability disadvantages set out above.
None of the prior art reviewed teaches any means for clearing sections of pipe from the catwalk after the kicker assembly has ejected pipe from the trough.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides improvements in catwalk assemblies over that which is conventionally practiced. The apparatus of the present invention contemplates connecting the pivoting leg member to the frame component of the catwalk assembly rather than to the pipe trough, and then integrating into the catwalk assembly a novel dumping assembly to clear sections of pipe from the catwalk work area after the kicker assembly ejects pipe from the trough. Novel means for "catching" the distal end of the trough as it moves towards the _2_ pivoting leg member (used to raise the distal end of the trough) are contemplated in order that a releaseable coupled engagement with said trough results that is stable and secure as soon as the pivoting leg member begins to raise the trough above the catwalk assembly.
Mating assemblies on the distal end of the leg member as well as on the trough engage one another as soon as the trough moves a predetermined longitudinal distance along its dual track mounted to the frame component of the catwalk assembly. The pivoting leg member may also be telescopic, by, for example, installing an assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on the end of a hydraulic ram.
In accordance with the invention, a self-contained pipe-handling catwalk assembly is provided. The assembly may obtain power from various sources such as dedicated generators and the like but it may also use rig electricity to power an electric motor of sufficient power to drive its hydraulic system.
The catwalk assembly incorporates a pipe handling trough that extends down the centre of the catwalk. The rear of the trough, i.e. the end remote from the adjacent rig floor, glides in a track using suitable bearings such as cam follower bearings. The front end of the trough, i.e. the end adjacent the rig floor, is directed to the rig floor by use of an hydraulic powered arm and this presents the drill pipe, collars, etc. to the rig floor to be picked up by the rigs elevators. This is known as a "pick up" sequence.
In the "lay down" sequence, the end of the pipe or collar is lowered into the trough at the rig floor and it glides down the trough and comes to rest at the butt plate positioned near the rear of the trough. The hydraulic mechanism then returns the trough and the pipe back to the catwalk. After the trough is in the resting position, "kickers" are activated within the trough to kick the pipe from the trough and roll it out either left or right so as to roll the pipe onto the pipe racks.
The assembly according to the invention may also feature rollers on both outer sides of the catwalk, which rollers enable workers to position sections of pipe accurately into the trough in the pick up sequence or accurately onto the pipe racks in the lay down sequence.
A basket may also be installed on the front end of the trough to be used for transportation of tongs, slips, elevators and other equipment to the rig floor. This will eliminate this type of equipment being dragged up the V doors with a winch line.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe handling apparatus for providing sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, said apparatus comprising: a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving at least one section of pipe;
a movable trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning a section of drill pipe in proximity to said catwalk assembly; means for guiding said trough through longitudinal movement relative to said frame; means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said at least one section of pipe to said floor; pivoting leg means for raising said distal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly, said leg means being both pivotally and non-slidingly fastened at one end to said catwalk assembly; and a kicker assembly for ejecting said pipe out of said trough.
In a further embodiment of one aspect of the present invention the pivoting leg means comprises a leg member having one end adapted for releaseable coupled engagement with said distal end of said trough, and an opposing end pivotally connected to said frame. In a further embodiment the leg member is responsive to operation of said means tar raising said proximal end of said trough, such that no independent vertical assist means is required to lift said distal end, said lift resulting from the forward and upward movement of said trough causing pivoting motion of said leg member so as to upwardly raise said distal end of said trough.
In a particular refinement of one aspect of the present invention, the end of said leg member for releaseable coupled engagement with said trough comprises an assembly of interdigitating slots and rods situate on the distal end of said leg member for engagement with a complementary assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on said distal end of said trough. In yet a further embodiment of the present invention the engagement with said complementary assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on said distal end of said trough comprises a rotating engagement upon said pivoting motion of said leg member, thereby causing said leg member to securely engage said trough member at said distal end thereof.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a pipe handling apparatus for providing sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, said apparatus comprising: a catwalk assembly including an integrated dump assembly and having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving at least one section of pipe; a movable primary trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning a section of drill pipe in proximity to said derrick floor; means for guiding said primary trough through longitudinal movement relative to said catwalk assembly; means for raising said proximal end of said primary trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor; and a kicker assembly for ejecting said pipe out of said primary trough into said integrated dump assembly. In a further embodiment the integrated dump assembly comprises a secondary trough adapted to receive at least one section of pipe ejected from said primary trough by said kicker; a dump arm coupled at one end thereof to said secondary trough and pivotally coupled at an opposing end to said catwalk assembly; and means for returnably raising said dump arm above said catwalk assembly to a point at which said pipe falls from said secondary trough.
In a further embodiment of one aspect of the present invention the integrated dump assembly further comprises an actuating arm member coupled to said secondary trough;
and trigger means adapted to cause said secondary trough to pivot so as to eject said drill pipe therefrom.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of raising sections of drill pipe to a derrick floor. Accordingly, in such aspect the present invention comprises the steps of raising one end of a moveable trough, and at the same time longitudinally and horizontally moving an opposite end of said moveable trough towards a pivoting leg means;
engaging said opposite end of said moveable trough with said pivoting leg means; and upon continued longitudinal movement of said trough causing said pivoting leg means to pivot and thereby raising said opposite end of said moveable trough.
In a further refinement, said pivoting leg means is releaseably engaged to said opposite end of said moveable trough upon said pivoting leg member being caused to pivot.
In a plurality of embodiments of the apparatus aspect of the present invention the means for raising the proximal end of a trough above the catwalk assembly comprises hydraulic lift means pivotally connected to the trough for moving the trough upwardly and downwardly from a position nested in the frame to a position proximate a rig floor, with the hydraulic lift means further pivotally connected to said frame.
Description of the Drawings The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of the catwalk assembly of the present invention with the trough in a raised position;
FIGURE 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but with the trough in a lowered position;
FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the lines A-A of Figure 1;
FIGURE 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing one embodiment of a kicker mechanism;
FIGURE 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing another embodiment of kicker mechanism;
FIGURE 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing a still further embodiment of a kicker mechanism;
FIGURE 7 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing one embodiment of an integrated dumping assembly installed on one side of a kicker assembly;
FIGURE 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 but showing an alternate embodiment of integrated dumping assembly;
FIGURES 9 and 10 are side elevations of a further embodiment of the assembly with the trough in raised and laid down positions respectively;
FIGURES 11 and 12 are side elevations of another embodiment of the assembly with the trough in raised and lowered positions respectively;
FIGURES 13 and 14 illustrate a further embodiment of the assembly again with the trough in raised and lowered positions respectively;
FIGURES 15 and 16 illustrate an embodiment of the catwalk assembly according to which the distal or rear end of the trough is raised by a pivoting leg member connected to the frame after catching the trough; and FIGURES 17 and 18 illustrate a further embodiment of the assembly, Figure 17 showing the trough in a raised position and Figure 18 in a laid down position.
Description of the Invention Referring to Figures 1-3, the catwalk assembly illustrated generally as 10 comprises suitable framework 12 for supporting a pipe handling trough 14 that extends along the center of assembly 10. Figure 1 shows pipe trough 14, of catwalk assembly 10 (also known as a hydraulically operated pipe handling assembly) in a raised position with the proximal end 22 of trough 14 at a level near that of the rig floor 16. The distal end 21 of trough 14 remote from rig floor 16 glides in a track 18 using any suitable bearing means 20 (as shown in Figure 3), such as an assembly including cam follower bearings. The proximal end 22 of trough 14 is raised to rig floor 16 by any suitable actuating means 25, one embodiment of which comprises pivoting arm 24 and suitable linkage 28 actuated by hydraulic ram 26, for the purpose of presenting drill pipe, collars, et cetera (not shown) laying in trough 14, to rig floor 16 for further handling, commonly referred to as the "pick up" sequence.
To return from rig floor 16 to ground, a pipe is lowered into proximal end 22 of trough 14 at the level of rig floor 16 and glides down trough 14 until it comes to rest at butt plate 30 positioned near the distal end 21 of trough 14. Actuating means 25 then lowers trough 14 with pipe therein to a lower level, in the fully lowered or "laid down" position of the illustrated embodiment of catwalk assembly 10, as shown in Figure 2, trough 14 nests inside catwalk assembly 10.
Figure 3 further illustrates by cross-section one embodiment of the shape of trough 14 and how at distal end 21 trough 14 is carried by bearing means 20 in track 18. The manner in which trough 14 nests in catwalk assembly 10, and the optional availability of pipe adjusting roller means 36 (to enable workers to position sections of pipe accurately during either the pick up or lay down sequence) on one or both sides of frame 12 are disclosed in Figure 3.
As shown in Figure 4, when trough 14 is in the laid down position, a kicker assembly 31 may be operated to eject pipe 32 from trough 14 and roll pipe 32 out of trough 14 onto catwalk assembly 10 typically for the purpose of returning pipe 32 to pipe storage racks (not shown). It will be obvious to a person of skill in the art of machine design that kicker assembly 31 may be adapted to eject pipe 32 to either side of catwalk assembly 10. In one of its embodiments, kicker assembly 31 a comprises kicker 34 located within trough 14, actuated by hydraulic ram 38, pivotable arm 40, suitable linkage 41, and rod means 42 all sized and arranged in any suitable manner according to the design capacity and direction of ejection required for the subject installation. Pivotable arm 40 is pivotally connected on one end to hydraulic ram 38 and on its opposing end pivotable arm 40 is pivotally connected to rod means 42 that engages the underside of kicker 34. Pivotable arm 40 further pivotally connects to frame 12 at a point intermediate said ends and about which point it may pivot in response to the operation of hydraulic ram 38, which causes rod means 42 to raise or lower kicker 34 for the purpose of ejecting pipe 32 from trough 14.
Although not illustrated, it is also contemplated to incorporate a basket means to be located on proximal end 22 of trough 14 adjacent rig floor 16. This basket would be used to _7_ transport tongs, slips, elevators, and similar equipment to the level of rig floor 16 eliminating the practice of dragging such equipment using a winch line.
In Figure 5, a different embodiment of kicker assembly 31 b is illustrated, comprising kicker 34 located within trough 14, actuated by hydraulic ram 46, kicker rod 48, and bell crank 50 with suitable linkage, all sized and arranged in any suitable manner according to the design capacity and direction of ejection required for the subject installation.
In Figure 6, a different embodiment of kicker assembly 31c is illustrated, comprising kicker 34 located within trough 14, actuated by hydraulic ram 52 and kicker rod 54, with suitable linkages 56 and 58, all sized and arranged in any suitable manner according to the design capacity and direction of ejection required for the subject installation.
In Figures 7 and 8 an integrated dump assembly 55 is disclosed for clearing sections of pipe 32 from catwalk assembly 10 after kicker assembly 31 has ejected pipe 32 from trough 14. In Figure 7 dump assembly 55a is illustrated comprising secondary trough 60, dump arm 62, pivotal connection means 64, and hydraulic ram 66. Dump arm 62 is coupled at an end thereof to secondary trough 60 and pivotally coupled at an opposing end to frame 12 of catwalk assembly 10 by pivotal connection means 64. Hydraulic ram 66 drives dump assembly 55a and together with suitable linkage means causes dump arm 62 to pivot about connection means 64 returnably raising dump arm 62 above catwalk assembly 10 to a point at which pipe 32 falls from secondary trough 60, for further handling, but typically to storage.
Also in Figure 7, dump arm 62 is illustrated with a removable ramp integrated therein for the purpose of stopping the rolling motion of pipe 32 ejected from trough 14 by reflecting pipe 32 into secondary trough 60 for holding. By stopping the motion of an ejected pipe 32 it may be held in secondary trough 60 until workers are ready to pickup pipe 32 at which point dump assembly 55 may be operated. A person of skill in the art of machine design would understand that such pipe motion stopping and reflection functionality could be achieved by other structures including a simple, sufficiently robust, pin suitably positioned.
In Figure 8 a more sophisticated embodiment of dump assembly 55 is illustrated in dump assembly 55b comprising secondary trough 60, dump arm 62, pivotal connection means 64, hydraulic ram 66, trigger means 68, and actuating arm member 70.
Dump arm 62 is pivotally connected at an end thereof to actuating arm member 70, which is coupled to _g_ secondary trough 60. Dump arm 62 is further pivotally coupled at an opposing end to frame 12 of catwalk assembly 10 by pivotal connection means 64. Hydraulic ram 66 drives dump assembly 55b and together with suitable linkage means causes dump arm 62 to pivot about connection means 64 returnably raising dump arm 62 above catwalk assembly 10 to a point at which trigger means 68 contacts frame 12 or any other suitable portion of catwalk assembly 10 thereby causing arm member 70 to actuate a pivoting motion of secondary trough 60 about dump arm 62 so as to cause said secondary trough 60 to eject drill pipe 32 therefrom, for further handling, but typically to storage.
Figures 9 through 18 inclusive show various embodiments of the means for moving trough 14 between its raised and laid down positions.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment of the means for moving trough 14 according to which trough 14 is raised by horizontally disposed hydraulic ram 72 the piston rod 74 of which actuates propulsion arm 76 pushing against or relaxing under trough 14 through a pivotal arrangement with rollers 78 following track 80. Propulsion arm 76 is pivotally connected at its lower end to rollers 78 and also at its upper end to the bottom of trough 14, which is also pivotally connected to support arm 82 which is pivotally connected at its lower end to frame 12.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment of the means for moving trough 14 according to which winching cable 84, driven by hydraulic winch 85 and optionally braced at position 83 to frame 12, is connected by any suitable means to distal end 21 of trough 14 for the purpose of moving trough 14 longitudinally. Further, hydraulic ram 86 pivotally connects at one end to frame 12 and at an opposing end to propulsion arm 88 at one end thereof an opposing end of propulsion arm 88 being pivotally connected at point 87 to frame 12. Lifting arm 90 is fastened at one end situated at point 87 to propulsion arm 88 permitting propulsion arm 88 to cause lifting arm 90 to pivot about point 87 in response to movement of propulsion arm 88 caused by hydraulic ram 86, and lifting arm 90 is rotatingly connected to any suitable roller means 91 at an opposing end of lifting arm 90. While hydraulic winch 85 moves trough 14 longitudinally, hydraulic ram 86 causes lifting arm 90 to pick up trough 14 lifting it to a raised position with roller means 91 rollingly engaging trough 14.
Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment of the means for moving trough 14 according to which curved track 92 extends from the proximal end 94 of frame 12 to rig floor _g_ 16 and the proximal end 22 of trough 14 is propelled along track 92 to a raised position by hydraulic winch 96 operating winch cable 98 that is secured at any suitable location to frame 12 and at an opposing end cable 98 is also connected to the distal end 21 of trough 14. Any suitable guiding roller means 95 engages said proximal end 22 of trough 14 to track 92.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate an embodiment of the pipe handling apparatus of the present invention according to which the distal end 21 of trough 14 may also be raised above catwalk assembly 10 by pivoting leg means comprising a novel pivoting leg assembly 100 that is both pivotally and non-slidingly fastened at one end to any suitable location on catwalk assembly 10. Further, it is to be understood that since a plurality of embodiments of the means for raising the proximal end 22 of trough 14 have been set out above, any of such means is contemplated as optionally comprising lift means 106 and may be adapted to operate in conjunction with the means described below for raising the distal end 21 of trough 14.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 15 pivoting leg assembly 100 comprises a leg member 104 having one end 107 adapted for releaseable coupled engagement with distal end 21 of trough 14, and an opposing end pivotally connected to frame 12 at any suitable location by any suitable connection means 103. Releaseable coupled engagement between leg member 104 and the distal end 21 of trough 14 is achieved in a preferred embodiment by complementary engaging means 102a and 102b, which each comprise an assembly of interdigitating slots and rods, but numerous other configurations permitting releaseable coupleable engagement, whereby the one end 107 of the leg member 104 is releaseably coupled to distal end 21 of trough 14, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Engaging means 102a is situate on one end of leg member 104 an opposing end thereof pivotally connected to frame 12. Complementary engaging means 102b is situate on the distal end 21 of trough 14 in longitudinal axial alignment with engaging means 102a for the purpose of permitting engaging means 102a to releasaby engage engaging means 102b as trough 14 moves towards leg member 104, such that as trough 14 moves longitudinally in response to operation of lift means 106, leg member 104 engages the distal end 21 of trough 14 in releaseable coupled engagement.
Once releaseable coupled engagement occurs between engaging means 102a and 102b, in the preferred embodiment they further lockingly engage as their mating assemblies of interdigitating slots and rods rotate relative to one another, which rotation occurs upon the pivoting motion of leg member 104 about connection 103, thereby causing roller means 102a in association with leg member 104 to lockingly engage roller means 102b in association with the distal end 21 of trough 14. The pivoting motion of leg member 104 about connection 103 results because leg member 104 is responsive to operation of lift means 106, having the further advantage that no independent vertical assist means is necessary to lift distal end 21 with the lift of distal end 21 resulting from the longitudinal and vertical movement of trough 14 causing pivoting motion of leg member 104 so as to raise the distal end 21 of trough 14.
Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of a means to adjust the level of the raised position of the proximal end 22 of trough 14 according to which a hydraulic ram 108 that incorporates a hydraulic extension ram 110 may be used to further adjust the proximal end 22 of trough 14 to adapt for different levels at which a rig floor 16 may be set.
The terms and expressions employed in this specification are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claims. Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. Many variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the art of machine design. For full definition of the scope of the invention, reference is to be made to the appended claims.
Field of the Invention This invention relates to pipe handling systems and in particular to a pipe handling catwalk assembly for use in providing and receiving drill pipe, collars and the like to the work floor of a derrick or rig.
Background of the Invention Catwalk assemblies are used at drilling locations and are normally located close to a rig floor to assist in the handling of drill pipe and the like from storage areas to the rig platform. In the drilling of a well, supplies such as drill pipe must be transported between a pipe storage rack at ground level and the raised work floor of a derrick.
Typically, sections of drill pipe are laid down in horizontal rows on a pipe rack at a location near the derrick. There is a need to move these sections of drill pipe safely and quickly to the derrick floor using mechanical apparatus.
US 3,706,347 to Brown teaches a conveyor design having a pipe carrying trough fixed at one end to a catwalk. Brown teaches means for swivelling a conveyor for better alignment with loading equipment in addition to means for raising and lowering the end of a trough closest to the work floor, both based on a design according to which the distal end of the tough remains at a fixed elevation.
US 4,403,898 to Thompson ('898') teaches one solution to the problem of a fixed end trough which eliminates the expense and complexity of a conveyor. Such patent teaches means for allowing the pipe trough to move longitudinally towards the work floor together with means for raising the rear end of the trough in order to reduce the force needed to withdraw a section of pipe from the trough onto the work floor of a derrick.
Notably, the means by which Thompson accomplishes longitudinal motion of the pipe trough is itself complex requiring the installation of an inclined track on which to guide a carriage that supports and guides the tough during its longitudinal motion the distance of which must be adjusted by varying the track length to custom fit a particular work floor height to avoid the inclined track interfering with unloading the trough. Similarly, Thompson teaches an unnecessarily complex means for raising the rear end of a trough according to which additional tracks are required at the rear of the trough to guide a pivoting leg forward with the trough until the leg reaches a pre-set position at which its proximal end engages a stop such that the leg member rocks forward with its rear end pivotally fastened to the rear end of the trough which rises to a height determined by the length of the leg member.
Requiring the longitudinal motion of the rear leg member as well as the trough that it supports requires more moving and more expensive parts. The higher mass of the moving assembly also results in a greater impact on the stop means such that a more robust stop design is dictated. The track means in which is it guided also tends to make the 898 embodiment of the pivoting leg member prone to lateral motion and wear resulting in an increasingly less stable mechanism over time.
At Figure 10 US 4,386,883 to Hogan, in Fig. 10 thereof, teaches a variation on 898 to Thompson in which a carriage on top of a track rather than rollers in a track is used to permit a pivoting leg member at the rear of the pipe trough to move longitudinally with the trough until it reaches a stop member causing the leg member to rock forward with its rear end pivotally fastened to the rear end of the trough which rises to a height determined by the length of the leg member. The leg member is telescopic such that the height to which the rear of the trough may be raised is partially adjustable. Hogan's track engaging assembly slidably engages the track and supports the pipe trough as it moves between its lowered position and one of its raised, longitudinally shifted positions. Hogan's preferred embodiment teaches a first linkage member and a parallel, spatially disposed second linkage member pivotally connecting the trough to the track engaging assembly that rides on the center rail of a track rather than the wider (potentially more stable) dual outer tracks of the Thompson design. In any event, both Hogan and Thompson teach means for lifting the rear or distal end of a moving trough based on a pivoting leg member that is connected to and moves with the trough resulting in the complexity and stability disadvantages set out above.
None of the prior art reviewed teaches any means for clearing sections of pipe from the catwalk after the kicker assembly has ejected pipe from the trough.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides improvements in catwalk assemblies over that which is conventionally practiced. The apparatus of the present invention contemplates connecting the pivoting leg member to the frame component of the catwalk assembly rather than to the pipe trough, and then integrating into the catwalk assembly a novel dumping assembly to clear sections of pipe from the catwalk work area after the kicker assembly ejects pipe from the trough. Novel means for "catching" the distal end of the trough as it moves towards the _2_ pivoting leg member (used to raise the distal end of the trough) are contemplated in order that a releaseable coupled engagement with said trough results that is stable and secure as soon as the pivoting leg member begins to raise the trough above the catwalk assembly.
Mating assemblies on the distal end of the leg member as well as on the trough engage one another as soon as the trough moves a predetermined longitudinal distance along its dual track mounted to the frame component of the catwalk assembly. The pivoting leg member may also be telescopic, by, for example, installing an assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on the end of a hydraulic ram.
In accordance with the invention, a self-contained pipe-handling catwalk assembly is provided. The assembly may obtain power from various sources such as dedicated generators and the like but it may also use rig electricity to power an electric motor of sufficient power to drive its hydraulic system.
The catwalk assembly incorporates a pipe handling trough that extends down the centre of the catwalk. The rear of the trough, i.e. the end remote from the adjacent rig floor, glides in a track using suitable bearings such as cam follower bearings. The front end of the trough, i.e. the end adjacent the rig floor, is directed to the rig floor by use of an hydraulic powered arm and this presents the drill pipe, collars, etc. to the rig floor to be picked up by the rigs elevators. This is known as a "pick up" sequence.
In the "lay down" sequence, the end of the pipe or collar is lowered into the trough at the rig floor and it glides down the trough and comes to rest at the butt plate positioned near the rear of the trough. The hydraulic mechanism then returns the trough and the pipe back to the catwalk. After the trough is in the resting position, "kickers" are activated within the trough to kick the pipe from the trough and roll it out either left or right so as to roll the pipe onto the pipe racks.
The assembly according to the invention may also feature rollers on both outer sides of the catwalk, which rollers enable workers to position sections of pipe accurately into the trough in the pick up sequence or accurately onto the pipe racks in the lay down sequence.
A basket may also be installed on the front end of the trough to be used for transportation of tongs, slips, elevators and other equipment to the rig floor. This will eliminate this type of equipment being dragged up the V doors with a winch line.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe handling apparatus for providing sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, said apparatus comprising: a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving at least one section of pipe;
a movable trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning a section of drill pipe in proximity to said catwalk assembly; means for guiding said trough through longitudinal movement relative to said frame; means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said at least one section of pipe to said floor; pivoting leg means for raising said distal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly, said leg means being both pivotally and non-slidingly fastened at one end to said catwalk assembly; and a kicker assembly for ejecting said pipe out of said trough.
In a further embodiment of one aspect of the present invention the pivoting leg means comprises a leg member having one end adapted for releaseable coupled engagement with said distal end of said trough, and an opposing end pivotally connected to said frame. In a further embodiment the leg member is responsive to operation of said means tar raising said proximal end of said trough, such that no independent vertical assist means is required to lift said distal end, said lift resulting from the forward and upward movement of said trough causing pivoting motion of said leg member so as to upwardly raise said distal end of said trough.
In a particular refinement of one aspect of the present invention, the end of said leg member for releaseable coupled engagement with said trough comprises an assembly of interdigitating slots and rods situate on the distal end of said leg member for engagement with a complementary assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on said distal end of said trough. In yet a further embodiment of the present invention the engagement with said complementary assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on said distal end of said trough comprises a rotating engagement upon said pivoting motion of said leg member, thereby causing said leg member to securely engage said trough member at said distal end thereof.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a pipe handling apparatus for providing sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, said apparatus comprising: a catwalk assembly including an integrated dump assembly and having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving at least one section of pipe; a movable primary trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning a section of drill pipe in proximity to said derrick floor; means for guiding said primary trough through longitudinal movement relative to said catwalk assembly; means for raising said proximal end of said primary trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor; and a kicker assembly for ejecting said pipe out of said primary trough into said integrated dump assembly. In a further embodiment the integrated dump assembly comprises a secondary trough adapted to receive at least one section of pipe ejected from said primary trough by said kicker; a dump arm coupled at one end thereof to said secondary trough and pivotally coupled at an opposing end to said catwalk assembly; and means for returnably raising said dump arm above said catwalk assembly to a point at which said pipe falls from said secondary trough.
In a further embodiment of one aspect of the present invention the integrated dump assembly further comprises an actuating arm member coupled to said secondary trough;
and trigger means adapted to cause said secondary trough to pivot so as to eject said drill pipe therefrom.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of raising sections of drill pipe to a derrick floor. Accordingly, in such aspect the present invention comprises the steps of raising one end of a moveable trough, and at the same time longitudinally and horizontally moving an opposite end of said moveable trough towards a pivoting leg means;
engaging said opposite end of said moveable trough with said pivoting leg means; and upon continued longitudinal movement of said trough causing said pivoting leg means to pivot and thereby raising said opposite end of said moveable trough.
In a further refinement, said pivoting leg means is releaseably engaged to said opposite end of said moveable trough upon said pivoting leg member being caused to pivot.
In a plurality of embodiments of the apparatus aspect of the present invention the means for raising the proximal end of a trough above the catwalk assembly comprises hydraulic lift means pivotally connected to the trough for moving the trough upwardly and downwardly from a position nested in the frame to a position proximate a rig floor, with the hydraulic lift means further pivotally connected to said frame.
Description of the Drawings The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of the catwalk assembly of the present invention with the trough in a raised position;
FIGURE 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but with the trough in a lowered position;
FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the lines A-A of Figure 1;
FIGURE 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing one embodiment of a kicker mechanism;
FIGURE 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing another embodiment of kicker mechanism;
FIGURE 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing a still further embodiment of a kicker mechanism;
FIGURE 7 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing one embodiment of an integrated dumping assembly installed on one side of a kicker assembly;
FIGURE 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 but showing an alternate embodiment of integrated dumping assembly;
FIGURES 9 and 10 are side elevations of a further embodiment of the assembly with the trough in raised and laid down positions respectively;
FIGURES 11 and 12 are side elevations of another embodiment of the assembly with the trough in raised and lowered positions respectively;
FIGURES 13 and 14 illustrate a further embodiment of the assembly again with the trough in raised and lowered positions respectively;
FIGURES 15 and 16 illustrate an embodiment of the catwalk assembly according to which the distal or rear end of the trough is raised by a pivoting leg member connected to the frame after catching the trough; and FIGURES 17 and 18 illustrate a further embodiment of the assembly, Figure 17 showing the trough in a raised position and Figure 18 in a laid down position.
Description of the Invention Referring to Figures 1-3, the catwalk assembly illustrated generally as 10 comprises suitable framework 12 for supporting a pipe handling trough 14 that extends along the center of assembly 10. Figure 1 shows pipe trough 14, of catwalk assembly 10 (also known as a hydraulically operated pipe handling assembly) in a raised position with the proximal end 22 of trough 14 at a level near that of the rig floor 16. The distal end 21 of trough 14 remote from rig floor 16 glides in a track 18 using any suitable bearing means 20 (as shown in Figure 3), such as an assembly including cam follower bearings. The proximal end 22 of trough 14 is raised to rig floor 16 by any suitable actuating means 25, one embodiment of which comprises pivoting arm 24 and suitable linkage 28 actuated by hydraulic ram 26, for the purpose of presenting drill pipe, collars, et cetera (not shown) laying in trough 14, to rig floor 16 for further handling, commonly referred to as the "pick up" sequence.
To return from rig floor 16 to ground, a pipe is lowered into proximal end 22 of trough 14 at the level of rig floor 16 and glides down trough 14 until it comes to rest at butt plate 30 positioned near the distal end 21 of trough 14. Actuating means 25 then lowers trough 14 with pipe therein to a lower level, in the fully lowered or "laid down" position of the illustrated embodiment of catwalk assembly 10, as shown in Figure 2, trough 14 nests inside catwalk assembly 10.
Figure 3 further illustrates by cross-section one embodiment of the shape of trough 14 and how at distal end 21 trough 14 is carried by bearing means 20 in track 18. The manner in which trough 14 nests in catwalk assembly 10, and the optional availability of pipe adjusting roller means 36 (to enable workers to position sections of pipe accurately during either the pick up or lay down sequence) on one or both sides of frame 12 are disclosed in Figure 3.
As shown in Figure 4, when trough 14 is in the laid down position, a kicker assembly 31 may be operated to eject pipe 32 from trough 14 and roll pipe 32 out of trough 14 onto catwalk assembly 10 typically for the purpose of returning pipe 32 to pipe storage racks (not shown). It will be obvious to a person of skill in the art of machine design that kicker assembly 31 may be adapted to eject pipe 32 to either side of catwalk assembly 10. In one of its embodiments, kicker assembly 31 a comprises kicker 34 located within trough 14, actuated by hydraulic ram 38, pivotable arm 40, suitable linkage 41, and rod means 42 all sized and arranged in any suitable manner according to the design capacity and direction of ejection required for the subject installation. Pivotable arm 40 is pivotally connected on one end to hydraulic ram 38 and on its opposing end pivotable arm 40 is pivotally connected to rod means 42 that engages the underside of kicker 34. Pivotable arm 40 further pivotally connects to frame 12 at a point intermediate said ends and about which point it may pivot in response to the operation of hydraulic ram 38, which causes rod means 42 to raise or lower kicker 34 for the purpose of ejecting pipe 32 from trough 14.
Although not illustrated, it is also contemplated to incorporate a basket means to be located on proximal end 22 of trough 14 adjacent rig floor 16. This basket would be used to _7_ transport tongs, slips, elevators, and similar equipment to the level of rig floor 16 eliminating the practice of dragging such equipment using a winch line.
In Figure 5, a different embodiment of kicker assembly 31 b is illustrated, comprising kicker 34 located within trough 14, actuated by hydraulic ram 46, kicker rod 48, and bell crank 50 with suitable linkage, all sized and arranged in any suitable manner according to the design capacity and direction of ejection required for the subject installation.
In Figure 6, a different embodiment of kicker assembly 31c is illustrated, comprising kicker 34 located within trough 14, actuated by hydraulic ram 52 and kicker rod 54, with suitable linkages 56 and 58, all sized and arranged in any suitable manner according to the design capacity and direction of ejection required for the subject installation.
In Figures 7 and 8 an integrated dump assembly 55 is disclosed for clearing sections of pipe 32 from catwalk assembly 10 after kicker assembly 31 has ejected pipe 32 from trough 14. In Figure 7 dump assembly 55a is illustrated comprising secondary trough 60, dump arm 62, pivotal connection means 64, and hydraulic ram 66. Dump arm 62 is coupled at an end thereof to secondary trough 60 and pivotally coupled at an opposing end to frame 12 of catwalk assembly 10 by pivotal connection means 64. Hydraulic ram 66 drives dump assembly 55a and together with suitable linkage means causes dump arm 62 to pivot about connection means 64 returnably raising dump arm 62 above catwalk assembly 10 to a point at which pipe 32 falls from secondary trough 60, for further handling, but typically to storage.
Also in Figure 7, dump arm 62 is illustrated with a removable ramp integrated therein for the purpose of stopping the rolling motion of pipe 32 ejected from trough 14 by reflecting pipe 32 into secondary trough 60 for holding. By stopping the motion of an ejected pipe 32 it may be held in secondary trough 60 until workers are ready to pickup pipe 32 at which point dump assembly 55 may be operated. A person of skill in the art of machine design would understand that such pipe motion stopping and reflection functionality could be achieved by other structures including a simple, sufficiently robust, pin suitably positioned.
In Figure 8 a more sophisticated embodiment of dump assembly 55 is illustrated in dump assembly 55b comprising secondary trough 60, dump arm 62, pivotal connection means 64, hydraulic ram 66, trigger means 68, and actuating arm member 70.
Dump arm 62 is pivotally connected at an end thereof to actuating arm member 70, which is coupled to _g_ secondary trough 60. Dump arm 62 is further pivotally coupled at an opposing end to frame 12 of catwalk assembly 10 by pivotal connection means 64. Hydraulic ram 66 drives dump assembly 55b and together with suitable linkage means causes dump arm 62 to pivot about connection means 64 returnably raising dump arm 62 above catwalk assembly 10 to a point at which trigger means 68 contacts frame 12 or any other suitable portion of catwalk assembly 10 thereby causing arm member 70 to actuate a pivoting motion of secondary trough 60 about dump arm 62 so as to cause said secondary trough 60 to eject drill pipe 32 therefrom, for further handling, but typically to storage.
Figures 9 through 18 inclusive show various embodiments of the means for moving trough 14 between its raised and laid down positions.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment of the means for moving trough 14 according to which trough 14 is raised by horizontally disposed hydraulic ram 72 the piston rod 74 of which actuates propulsion arm 76 pushing against or relaxing under trough 14 through a pivotal arrangement with rollers 78 following track 80. Propulsion arm 76 is pivotally connected at its lower end to rollers 78 and also at its upper end to the bottom of trough 14, which is also pivotally connected to support arm 82 which is pivotally connected at its lower end to frame 12.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment of the means for moving trough 14 according to which winching cable 84, driven by hydraulic winch 85 and optionally braced at position 83 to frame 12, is connected by any suitable means to distal end 21 of trough 14 for the purpose of moving trough 14 longitudinally. Further, hydraulic ram 86 pivotally connects at one end to frame 12 and at an opposing end to propulsion arm 88 at one end thereof an opposing end of propulsion arm 88 being pivotally connected at point 87 to frame 12. Lifting arm 90 is fastened at one end situated at point 87 to propulsion arm 88 permitting propulsion arm 88 to cause lifting arm 90 to pivot about point 87 in response to movement of propulsion arm 88 caused by hydraulic ram 86, and lifting arm 90 is rotatingly connected to any suitable roller means 91 at an opposing end of lifting arm 90. While hydraulic winch 85 moves trough 14 longitudinally, hydraulic ram 86 causes lifting arm 90 to pick up trough 14 lifting it to a raised position with roller means 91 rollingly engaging trough 14.
Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment of the means for moving trough 14 according to which curved track 92 extends from the proximal end 94 of frame 12 to rig floor _g_ 16 and the proximal end 22 of trough 14 is propelled along track 92 to a raised position by hydraulic winch 96 operating winch cable 98 that is secured at any suitable location to frame 12 and at an opposing end cable 98 is also connected to the distal end 21 of trough 14. Any suitable guiding roller means 95 engages said proximal end 22 of trough 14 to track 92.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate an embodiment of the pipe handling apparatus of the present invention according to which the distal end 21 of trough 14 may also be raised above catwalk assembly 10 by pivoting leg means comprising a novel pivoting leg assembly 100 that is both pivotally and non-slidingly fastened at one end to any suitable location on catwalk assembly 10. Further, it is to be understood that since a plurality of embodiments of the means for raising the proximal end 22 of trough 14 have been set out above, any of such means is contemplated as optionally comprising lift means 106 and may be adapted to operate in conjunction with the means described below for raising the distal end 21 of trough 14.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 15 pivoting leg assembly 100 comprises a leg member 104 having one end 107 adapted for releaseable coupled engagement with distal end 21 of trough 14, and an opposing end pivotally connected to frame 12 at any suitable location by any suitable connection means 103. Releaseable coupled engagement between leg member 104 and the distal end 21 of trough 14 is achieved in a preferred embodiment by complementary engaging means 102a and 102b, which each comprise an assembly of interdigitating slots and rods, but numerous other configurations permitting releaseable coupleable engagement, whereby the one end 107 of the leg member 104 is releaseably coupled to distal end 21 of trough 14, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Engaging means 102a is situate on one end of leg member 104 an opposing end thereof pivotally connected to frame 12. Complementary engaging means 102b is situate on the distal end 21 of trough 14 in longitudinal axial alignment with engaging means 102a for the purpose of permitting engaging means 102a to releasaby engage engaging means 102b as trough 14 moves towards leg member 104, such that as trough 14 moves longitudinally in response to operation of lift means 106, leg member 104 engages the distal end 21 of trough 14 in releaseable coupled engagement.
Once releaseable coupled engagement occurs between engaging means 102a and 102b, in the preferred embodiment they further lockingly engage as their mating assemblies of interdigitating slots and rods rotate relative to one another, which rotation occurs upon the pivoting motion of leg member 104 about connection 103, thereby causing roller means 102a in association with leg member 104 to lockingly engage roller means 102b in association with the distal end 21 of trough 14. The pivoting motion of leg member 104 about connection 103 results because leg member 104 is responsive to operation of lift means 106, having the further advantage that no independent vertical assist means is necessary to lift distal end 21 with the lift of distal end 21 resulting from the longitudinal and vertical movement of trough 14 causing pivoting motion of leg member 104 so as to raise the distal end 21 of trough 14.
Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of a means to adjust the level of the raised position of the proximal end 22 of trough 14 according to which a hydraulic ram 108 that incorporates a hydraulic extension ram 110 may be used to further adjust the proximal end 22 of trough 14 to adapt for different levels at which a rig floor 16 may be set.
The terms and expressions employed in this specification are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claims. Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. Many variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the art of machine design. For full definition of the scope of the invention, reference is to be made to the appended claims.
Claims (23)
1. A pipe handling apparatus for providing sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, said apparatus comprising:
a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving at least one section of drill pipe;
a movable trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning a section of drill pipe in proximity to said catwalk assembly;
means for guiding said trough through longitudinal movement relative to said frame;
means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said at least one section of pipe to said floor;
pivoting leg means for raising said distal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly, said leg means being both pivotally and non-slidingly fastened at one end to said catwalk assembly; and a kicker assembly for ejecting said pipe out of said trough.
a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving at least one section of drill pipe;
a movable trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning a section of drill pipe in proximity to said catwalk assembly;
means for guiding said trough through longitudinal movement relative to said frame;
means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said at least one section of pipe to said floor;
pivoting leg means for raising said distal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly, said leg means being both pivotally and non-slidingly fastened at one end to said catwalk assembly; and a kicker assembly for ejecting said pipe out of said trough.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pivoting leg means comprises a leg member having one end adapted for releaseable coupled engagement with said distal end of said trough, and an opposing end pivotally connected to said frame.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said leg member is responsive to operation of said means for raising said proximal end of said trough, such that no independent vertical assist means is required to lift said distal end, said lift of said distal end resulting from the forward and upward movement of said trough causing pivoting motion of said leg member so as to upwardly raise said distal end of said trough.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said one end of said leg member for releaseable coupled engagement with said trough comprises an assembly of interdigitating slots and rods for locking engagement with a complementary assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on said distal end of said trough.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said locking engagement of said one end of said leg member with said distal end of said trough occurs during the movement of said distal end of said trough to a fully raised position.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said engagement with said complementary assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on said distal end of said trough comprises a rotating engagement upon said pivoting motion of said leg member, thereby causing said leg member to lockingly engage said trough member at said distal end thereof.
7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-6 wherein said means for guiding said trough catwalk includes a track on said catwalk assembly, the distal end of said trough engaging said track using suitable bearing means.
8. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the means for raising and lowering said trough relative to said catwalk assembly comprises a hydraulic ram.
9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 - 8 inclusive wherein said means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly comprises hydraulic lift means pivotally connected to said trough for moving said trough upwardly and downwardly from a position nested in said frame to a position proximate said floor, said hydraulic lift means further pivotally connected to said frame.
10. A pipe handling apparatus for providing sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, said apparatus comprising:
a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving at least one section of pipe;
a movable primary trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning a section of drill pipe in proximity to said derrick floor;
means for guiding said primary trough through longitudinal movement relative to said catwalk assembly;~
means for raising said proximal end of said primary trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor;
a dump assembly for receiving said pipe when elected from said primary~
trough; and, a kicker assembly for ejecting said pipe out of said primary trough into said dump assembly.
a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving at least one section of pipe;
a movable primary trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning a section of drill pipe in proximity to said derrick floor;
means for guiding said primary trough through longitudinal movement relative to said catwalk assembly;~
means for raising said proximal end of said primary trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor;
a dump assembly for receiving said pipe when elected from said primary~
trough; and, a kicker assembly for ejecting said pipe out of said primary trough into said dump assembly.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said integrated dump assembly comprises:
a secondary trough adapted to receive at least one section of pipe ejected from said primary trough by said kicker;
a dump arm coupled at an end thereof to said secondary trough and pivotally coupled at an opposing end to said catwalk assembly; and means for returnably raising said dump arm above said catwalk assembly to a point at which said pipe falls from said secondary trough.
a secondary trough adapted to receive at least one section of pipe ejected from said primary trough by said kicker;
a dump arm coupled at an end thereof to said secondary trough and pivotally coupled at an opposing end to said catwalk assembly; and means for returnably raising said dump arm above said catwalk assembly to a point at which said pipe falls from said secondary trough.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, further comprising:
said integrated dump assembly further comprising an actuating arm member coupled to said secondary trough; and trigger means adapted to cause said secondary trough to pivot so as to eject said drill pipe therefrom.
said integrated dump assembly further comprising an actuating arm member coupled to said secondary trough; and trigger means adapted to cause said secondary trough to pivot so as to eject said drill pipe therefrom.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said actuating member causes said secondary trough to pivot; and said trigger means upon upward pivotal movement of said dump arm contacts said actuating arm thereby causing said secondary trough to pivot so as to eject drill pipe therefrom.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claims 10 - 13 further including means for raising said distal end of said primary trough above said catwalk assembly, said means for raising said distal end of said primary trough comprising pivoting leg means comprising a leg member having one end adapted for releaseable coupled engagement with said distal end of said primary trough, and an opposing end of said leg member pivotally connected to said frame.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein said leg member is responsive to operation of said means for raising said proximal end of said primary trough, such that no independent vertical assist means is required to lift said distal end of said primary trough, said lift of said distal end of said trough resulting from the forward and upward movement of said primary trough causing pivoting motion of said leg member so as to upwardly raise said distal end of said primary trough.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein said one end of said leg member for releaseable coupled engagement with said primary trough comprises an assembly of interdigitating slots and rods situate on the distal end of said leg member for locking engagement with a complementary assembly of interdigitating slots and rods on said distal end of said primary trough prior to the proximal end of said primary trough.
17. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 - 16 inclusive wherein said catwalk assembly includes a track for said primary trough, the distal end of said primary trough engaging said track using suitable bearing means.
18. A pipe handling apparatus for providing sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, said apparatus comprising:
a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving a section of drill pipe;
a movable trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning said section of drill pipe in proximity to said catwalk assembly;
means for guiding said trough through longitudinal movement relative to said catwalk assembly;
means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said drill pipe to said floor;
a pivoting leg member for raising said distal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly, said leg member being pivotally and non-slidingly fastened at one end to said frame, said leg member having releaseable engagement means at an opposing end adapted for lockingly engaging said distal end of said trough during longitudinal movement relative to said catwalk assembly;
and a kicker assembly for ejecting said section of pipe out of said trough.
a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving a section of drill pipe;
a movable trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning said section of drill pipe in proximity to said catwalk assembly;
means for guiding said trough through longitudinal movement relative to said catwalk assembly;
means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said drill pipe to said floor;
a pivoting leg member for raising said distal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly, said leg member being pivotally and non-slidingly fastened at one end to said frame, said leg member having releaseable engagement means at an opposing end adapted for lockingly engaging said distal end of said trough during longitudinal movement relative to said catwalk assembly;
and a kicker assembly for ejecting said section of pipe out of said trough.
19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18 further comprising:
a kicker assembly for ejecting said section of pipe from said trough; and, dump means for accepting pipe ejected from said trough and moving said pipe from said catwalk.
a kicker assembly for ejecting said section of pipe from said trough; and, dump means for accepting pipe ejected from said trough and moving said pipe from said catwalk.
20. A pipe handling apparatus for providing sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, said apparatus comprising:
a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving a section of pipe;
a movable trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning said section of drill pipe in proximity to said catwalk assembly;
means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said at least one section of pipe to said floor;
a pivoting leg member for raising said distal end of said trough above said frame;
a kicker assembly for ejecting said section of pipe out of said trough; and an integrated dump assembly for clearing said pipe from said catwalk.
a catwalk assembly having a longitudinally extending base support frame adapted to be set in a generally horizontal position for receiving a section of pipe;
a movable trough, having a proximal end and a distal end, for positioning said section of drill pipe in proximity to said catwalk assembly;
means for raising said proximal end of said trough above said catwalk assembly to a point proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said at least one section of pipe to said floor;
a pivoting leg member for raising said distal end of said trough above said frame;
a kicker assembly for ejecting said section of pipe out of said trough; and an integrated dump assembly for clearing said pipe from said catwalk.
21. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 - 20 inclusive wherein said means for raising said proximal end of said primary trough above said catwalk assembly comprises hydraulic lift means pivotally connected to said primary trough for moving said primary trough upwardly and downwardly from a position nested in said frame to a position proximate said floor, said hydraulic lift means further pivotally connected to said frame.
22. A method of raising sections of drill pipe to a raised derrick work floor, comprising the steps of:
raising one end of a moveable trough, and at the same time longitudinally and horizontally moving an opposite end of said moveable trough towards a pivoting leg means;
engaging said opposite end of said moveable trough with said pivoting leg means; and upon continued longitudinal movement of said trough causing said pivoting leg means to pivot and thereby raising said opposite end of said moveable trough.
raising one end of a moveable trough, and at the same time longitudinally and horizontally moving an opposite end of said moveable trough towards a pivoting leg means;
engaging said opposite end of said moveable trough with said pivoting leg means; and upon continued longitudinal movement of said trough causing said pivoting leg means to pivot and thereby raising said opposite end of said moveable trough.
23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said pivoting leg means is releaseably lockingly engaged to said opposite end of said moveable trough upon said pivoting leg member being caused to pivot.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224638 CA2224638C (en) | 1997-12-12 | 1997-12-12 | Improved pipe handling apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224638 CA2224638C (en) | 1997-12-12 | 1997-12-12 | Improved pipe handling apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2224638A1 CA2224638A1 (en) | 1999-06-12 |
| CA2224638C true CA2224638C (en) | 2004-02-24 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224638 Expired - Lifetime CA2224638C (en) | 1997-12-12 | 1997-12-12 | Improved pipe handling apparatus |
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| CA (1) | CA2224638C (en) |
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| CN105178891A (en) * | 2015-11-09 | 2015-12-23 | 张成功 | Oilfield tubing lifting device |
| CN105545228B (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2018-08-10 | 湖南三一石油科技有限公司 | Tubing string transport system |
| US10081990B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2018-09-25 | Forum Us, Inc. | Kicker system for tubular handling system |
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| EP3342974B1 (en) * | 2016-12-27 | 2020-04-15 | Drillmec S.p.A. | Manipulator apparatus for handling of perforation elements to and from a drilling floor |
| US10151157B2 (en) * | 2016-12-28 | 2018-12-11 | Forum Us, Inc. | Kicker and transfer assembly for a tubular handling system |
| US10920504B1 (en) | 2018-07-20 | 2021-02-16 | Hawker Equipment Solutions, LLC. | Pipe grabber |
| US10626687B1 (en) | 2018-09-14 | 2020-04-21 | Hawker Equipment Solutions, LLC. | Wedge system to extend and elevate a pipe handler |
| CN110984885A (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2020-04-10 | 宝鸡石油机械有限责任公司 | High-integration-level modular power catwalk base convenient for rapid moving and use method |
-
1997
- 1997-12-12 CA CA 2224638 patent/CA2224638C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7958787B2 (en) | 2006-08-24 | 2011-06-14 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Oilfield tubular torque wrench |
| US8042432B2 (en) | 2006-08-24 | 2011-10-25 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Oilfield tubular torque wrench |
| US9097070B2 (en) | 2006-08-25 | 2015-08-04 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Apparatus for automated oilfield torque wrench set-up to make-up and break-out tubular strings |
| US8074537B2 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2011-12-13 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Oilfield tubular spin-in and spin-out detection for making-up and breaking-out tubular strings |
| US8490520B2 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2013-07-23 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Oilfield tubular spin-in and spin-out detection for making-up and breaking-out tubular strings |
| US9404324B2 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2016-08-02 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Oilfield tubular spin-in and spin-out detection for making-up and breaking-out tubular strings |
| US20180058159A1 (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2018-03-01 | Max Buchanan | Self Contained/Self Powered Hydraulic Catwalk |
| US10408001B2 (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2019-09-10 | Max Buchanan | Self contained/self powered hydraulic catwalk |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2224638A1 (en) | 1999-06-12 |
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