EP3247934A1 - Bague de charge pour soulèvement par ascenseur d'une enveloppe ayant un refoulement - Google Patents

Bague de charge pour soulèvement par ascenseur d'une enveloppe ayant un refoulement

Info

Publication number
EP3247934A1
EP3247934A1 EP16740693.3A EP16740693A EP3247934A1 EP 3247934 A1 EP3247934 A1 EP 3247934A1 EP 16740693 A EP16740693 A EP 16740693A EP 3247934 A1 EP3247934 A1 EP 3247934A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ring
band
mechanical obstruction
tubular
upset
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP16740693.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3247934A4 (fr
Inventor
Samuel P. Hawkins
Burney J. Latiolais
Keith T. Lutgring
Braxton I. MOODY
John K.M SAICHUK
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Franks International LLC
Original Assignee
Franks International LLC
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/600,249 external-priority patent/US9567815B2/en
Application filed by Franks International LLC filed Critical Franks International LLC
Publication of EP3247934A1 publication Critical patent/EP3247934A1/fr
Publication of EP3247934A4 publication Critical patent/EP3247934A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/006—Accessories for drilling pipes, e.g. cleaners
    • 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
    • E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
    • 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
    • E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
    • E21B19/06—Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices

Definitions

  • This invention relates, generally, to apparatus which are useful for safely transporting oilfield tubulars, and specifically, to raising and/or lowering a length of oilfield tubulars, and/or for otherwise safely moving a length of oilfield tubulars.
  • Tubular goods whose use includes, but is not limited to, use in drilling for, and production of oil and gas, experience a considerable amount of handling and a certain degree of mishandling and abuse on their journey from the steel mill to the final well destination.
  • screw on cylindrical thread protectors with a full compliment of threads, are placed on such tubular goods to protect the threads from any harm prior to installation.
  • the removal of such protectors often requires an expenditure of time that cannot be tolerated during the installation of tubular strings in wells, the original protector is often removed at the well site and is replaced with a different protector with quick release and installation capabilities.
  • the tubular good subsequently rides from rack to rig with the new thread protector, which is eventually removed when the joint is to be threadedly attached to the downwardly continuing string.
  • a last bore drift test is usually done, and it is desirable that the protector does not interfere with the drift passage.
  • the thread protectors on the rig site are currently designed so that the elastomer is pulled apart to accommodate the threads to be protected and subsequently tightened around such threads when the protector is in place.
  • the net effect of repetitive pulling apart is that the elastomer would eventually deform due to the repetitive yielding, causing the elastomer to lose its memory characteristics.
  • U.S. Patent Application No. 2012/0061528 discloses a gripping device for engaging a tubular with a collet structure to receive a tubular.
  • the collet has a plurality of elongated blades, with each blade having a gripping structure at the unsupported end. Because the device requires a gripping surface to establish resistance, the device will not work with tubulars (e.g., casing) that has a tapered or swaged connection or tubulars (e.g., casing) that has an integral box end.
  • Such upset tubulars or casing therefore comprise varying diameters, which are not controlled generally by the American Petroleum Institutes' specifications; and as such, it is difficult to design and engineer a gripping device(s) and/or a gripping surface(s) that can handle one or more of the varying upsets of the tubulars.
  • sufficient frictional forces are required in order to enable a gripping surface to work; however, if the frictional forces are too high (e.g., intense), then the intense frictional force can cause damage to the tubulars.
  • a load ring lifting device that can be suitable for casing or upset tubulars, which have a tapered or swaged end or connection, and/or include an integral box end.
  • a load ring lifting device that does not require the use of intense frictional forces for forming a gripping surface. The embodiments of this invention satisfy these needs.
  • the embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus that can be usable for lifting an upset tubular, wherein the apparatus can comprise: a ring comprising an interior surface; a band comprising an exterior surface and disposed relative to the ring, such that the exterior surface of the band contacts the interior surface of the ring; and at least one mechanical obstruction structure connected to the band.
  • the interior surface and the exterior surface comprises a first portion that is wider than a second portion, and wherein an external force, which is applied to the band, moves the exterior surface relative to the interior surface such that contact between the first portion and at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface urges the at least one mechanical obstruction structure toward the upset tubular.
  • the band can further comprise a substantially cylindrical section that can be connected to a plurality of elongated blades, and each elongated blade can comprise the at least one mechanical obstruction structure on an unsupported end of the plurality of elongated blades.
  • the at least one mechanical obstruction structure can have a larger cross-section than at least a portion of the plurality of elongated blades.
  • the at least one mechanical obstruction structure can have an interior diameter that is smaller than a largest exterior diameter of the upset tubular after an external force is applied to the band for moving the exterior surface relative to the interior surface.
  • a latch mechanism can be usable to secure the ring to the band.
  • the latch mechanism can include a plurality of notches on an outer perimeter of the band, and the plurality of notches can be designed to be complimentary and to latch onto a plurality of notches on the interior of the ring.
  • the interior surface of the ring can include a groove and the band can be positioned within the groove.
  • the ring can further comprise an orifice formed therein, wherein the orifice is aligned with the groove that is usable for positioning the band.
  • the ring can further include at least one spring or spring-loaded mechanism, and the at least one spring can contact the at least one mechanical obstruction structure and compresses the at least one mechanical obstruction structure toward the upset tubular.
  • the at least one mechanical obstruction structure and at least a portion of the ring can comprise a material made of a metal, an alloy, a high strength composite material, or combinations thereof, and the material can provide sufficient strength to support the weight of the upset tubular.
  • the apparatus can further comprise a thread protector body engaged to an exterior of the ring, and an end of the thread protector body can contact an external shoulder of the ring.
  • the band can comprise a tightening mechanism that is adapted to urge the at least one mechanical obstruction structure against the upset tubular, wherein the tightening mechanism can extend at least partially into the orifice of the ring.
  • the band can further comprise a gap having a width and a tightening mechanism that can be usable to decrease the width to urge the at least one mechanical obstruction structure toward the upset tubular, wherein the ring can further comprise an orifice formed therein, and wherein the tightening mechanism can extend at least partially into the orifice.
  • the embodiments of the present invention can include a method for lifting an upset tubular, wherein the method can include the steps of: providing a ring that comprises an interior surface; providing a band that comprises an exterior surface and at least one mechanical obstruction structure; and disposing the band relative to the ring such that the exterior surface of the band contacts the interior surface of the ring, wherein at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface comprises a first portion wider than a second portion.
  • the steps of the method can continue by inserting the upset tubular inside the band, and applying an external force to the band for moving the exterior surface relative to the interior surface, such that contact between the first portion and at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface urges the at least one mechanical obstruction structure toward the upset tubular.
  • the steps of the method can further include engaging the upset tubular, inserted inside the band, with the at least one mechanical obstruction structure by contacting the exterior surface of the band with the interior surface of the ring for enabling the engagement between the at least one mechanical obstruction structure and the upset tubular, and lifting the upset tubular engaged by the at least one mechanical obstruction structure.
  • the steps can further comprise providing a latch mechanism, and using the latch mechanism to latch the ring to the band.
  • the band can comprise a ring collet that includes the at least one mechanical obstruction structure for engaging and lifting the upset tubular.
  • the step of releasing the upset tubular by disengaging the at least one mechanical obstruction structure from the upset tubular can further comprise removing the contact between the exterior surface of the band and the interior surface of the ring.
  • the embodiments of the present invention can further include an apparatus for lifting a tubular in which at least a portion of the tubular comprises an upset.
  • the apparatus can include a ring collet that can be connectable to and can fit inside a band, and the ring collet can comprise a substantially cylindrical section and a mechanical obstruction structure connected thereto.
  • the apparatus can further comprise a ring that comprises an interior surface, a lower end, and a band.
  • the the band can comprise an interior surface, and the band can engage the at least one mechanical obstruction structure.
  • the at least one mechanical obstruction structure can compress radially inward, wherein at least a portion of a mechanical obstruction surface on the at least one mechanical obstruction structure contacts the at least a portion of the tubular comprising the upset, and wherein the band and the at least one mechanical obstruction structure provide structural support for lifting the tubular.
  • the at least one mechanical obstruction structure can have an interior diameter that is smaller than an exterior diameter of the upset tubular after an external force is applied to the at least one mechanical obstruction structure by the lower end of the ring for moving the at least one mechanical obstruction structure radially inward.
  • An embodiment of the apparatus can further comprise a latch mechanism that includes a plurality of notches on an outer perimeter of the band, wherein the plurality of notches are designed to be complimentary and to latch onto a plurality of notches on an interior surface of the ring.
  • the substantially cylindrical section of the ring collet comprises a plurality of elongated blades, and each elongated blade can comprise the at least one mechanical obstruction structure on at least one unsupported end of the plurality of elongated blades for use in lifting the upset tubular.
  • the at least one mechanical obstruction structure can comprise a larger cross-section than a portion of the elongated blade.
  • Embodiments of the apparatus can include the mechanical obstruction surface being substantially free of any serrated teeth, saw-tooth edges, or combinations thereof.
  • at least part of the mechanical obstruction structure can comprise a plurality of ball bearings, and with compressive force, one or more of the plurality of ball bearings can protrude to contact the upset tubular.
  • the interior surface of the ring can further comprise at least one spring that can be usable to contact the at least one mechanical obstruction structure and compress the at least one mechanical obstruction structure toward the upset tubular, or tubular having at least a portion comprising an upset, for lifting the tubular.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevated view, partly in cross section, in an oilfield tubular, which is well-known in this art.
  • FIG. 2 is an elevated view, partly in cross section, of another oilfield tubular known in the prior art having premium, multi-step threads on its pin end.
  • FIG. 3 is an elevated, schematic view of a pair of oilfield tubulars threaded together to create a smooth connection, also known in the prior art.
  • FIG. 4 is an elevated view of a pair of oilfield tubulars threaded together, and having a plurality of built-in collars which act as an upset, well- known in the prior art, to which an elevator can be attached for lifting or raising or otherwise moving each of the tubulars, as is well-known in the art when such collars are present.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art device known as a nubbin which can be threaded into a box end of an oilfield tubular to provide a shoulder to which an elevator can be attached for moving an oilfield tubular up or down or otherwise moving such oilfield tubulars.
  • FIG. 6 is an isometric, pictorial view of an apparatus according to the present invention which together with the band illustrated in FIG.'s 7 and 8 can be used to attach to the external surface of an oilfield tubular and to which an elevator may be attached;
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the device of FIG. 6 in a top plan view.
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 7, partly in cross- section, showing the sectional view of the device of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of a band which is used within the interior of the device illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional, enlarged view of a portion of the band illustrated in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the band illustrated in FIG. 9 in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is an elevated view, partly in cross-section, of a thread protector, in accordance with present invention.
  • FIG. 13A is a pictorial view of the latching arrangement in the open position for use with the band illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 13B is pictorial view of the band illustrated in FIG. 13A but which has been moved to the closed position of the latching apparatus.
  • FIG. 14A is padeye which is used with the latching assembly of FIG.
  • FIG. 14B is a different view of the padeye illustrated in FIG. 14A.
  • FIG. 15A is a side view of a draw bolt which is used in the latching mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 15B is a different view of the draw bolt illustrated in FIG. 15 A.
  • FIG. 16A is a view of the handle padeye which is used in the latching mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 16B is a different view of the handle padeye illustrated in FIG.
  • FIG. 17A is one view of the handle which is used with the latching mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 17B is a different view of the handle shown in FIG. 17A.
  • FIG. 18A is a view of a link which is used in the latching mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 18B is a different view of the link illustrated in FIG. 18 A.
  • FIG. 19A is one view of a second link used in the latching mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 19B is a different view of the second link illustrated in FIG. 19A.
  • FIG. 20 is an elevated, pictorial view of a joint of oilfield tubular having a lift load ring on the box end of the tubular and a thread protector on the pin end of the tubular, in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 21A is an elevated, isometric view of an alternative view of the load ring according to the present invention having a second ring made of hard plastic to protect the latch mechanism when passing through the elevator slips.
  • FIG. 21B is an elevated, isometric view of the hard plastic ring illustrated in FIG. 21A.
  • FIG. 21C is an elevated, cross-sectional view of the load ring taken along the section line 23A-23A, illustrated in FIG. 21A.
  • FIG. 22A is a top-plan view of the band 180 which is analogous to the band 80, both as to design and as to function, but having different means to cause its two ends to be moved closer together.
  • FIG. 22B is a top-plan view of the band 180, as illustrated in FIG. 22A, but having its two ends moved closer together.
  • FIG. 22C is a top-plan view of a second band 182 for maintaining the two ends of the first band 180 closer together.
  • FIG. 22D is a top-plan view of a spring 192 serving as an alternative means for establishing and maintaining the two ends of the band 180 closer together.
  • FIG. 22E is a top-plan view of yet another alternative means for
  • FIG. 22F is a side, elevated, schematic view of the device illustrated in
  • FIG. 22E is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 22E.
  • FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a ring collet.
  • FIG. 23B is a perspective view, of an alternative embodiment, showing the mechanical obstruction structure unattached to both the first housing and the second housing when the lifting device apparatus is disengaged with an upset tubular.
  • FIG. 24A is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the mechanical obstruction and the load lifting device apparatus, showing the mechanical obstruction structure in the neutral or open position and disengaged with an upset tubular.
  • FIG. 24B is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the mechanical obstruction and the load lifting device apparatus, showing the mechanical obstruction structure in the engaged or closed position.
  • FIG. 25 is a side view of an embodiment of the mechanical obstruction structure on the collet, from FIG. 23A, being engaged by a second housing.
  • FIG. 26 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the band that is used within the interior of the device illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 27 is a sectional, enlarged view of a portion of the band, which is illustrated in FIG. 26.
  • the present invention generally relates to an apparatus for lifting upset oilfield tubulars, including casing. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
  • the disclosure and description herein is illustrative and explanatory of one or more embodiments and variations thereof, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in the design, organization, means of operation, structures and location, methodology, and use of mechanical equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a conventional joint of oilfield tubular 10, for example, a joint of steel casing, which is well known in this art, which can typically be cemented into a drilled earth borehole, as is well known in the art.
  • Such joints typically have a box end 2, having internal threads, and a pin end 14 having external threads.
  • the box end 2 and the pin end 14 are commonly referred to as the female end and the male ends, respectively.
  • thread protectors in this art is usually concerned with protecting the threads of the pin end 14, because of the threads being exposed to the possibility of being dropped and banged around.
  • FIG. 2 is a conventional joint 20 of oilfield tubular, also known in this art, for example, a joint of steel casing having a box end 22 and a pin end 24.
  • the box end 22 and the pin end 24 involve two-step premium threads, well- known in this art, and which have proved to be troublesome for which to provide thread protection, for example for the pin end 24.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a pair of oilfield tubulars 30 and 32, for example, steel casing.
  • the tubular 30 and the tubular 32 may, for example, each be duplicates of tubular 10 shown in FIG. 1 or duplicates of tubular 20 shown in FIG. 2.
  • this is known as a "flush" connection, for example, at the connection line 31.
  • FIG. 4 of the drawings there is illustrated the prior art assembly having a first oilfield tubular 40 threaded into a second oilfield tubular 41, each of which may be, for example, joints of steel casing.
  • the casing joints 40 and 41 have a collar 42 and a collar 43, respectively, which can be used in conjunction with an elevator (not illustrated), which facilitates the raising or lowering of the tubular joints 40 and 41 into or out of an earth borehole.
  • Collars 42 and 43 also facilitate the lifting of the casing string having the joints 40 and 41 into or out of the pipe racks used in conjunction with the running in or running out of the tubular string.
  • FIG. 5 shows a prior art nubbin 50 having a collar 52 and a threaded portion 54, having male threads, which can be threaded into, for example, the box end 2 of the tubular joint 10 illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • nubbin 50 (shown in FIG. 5) is being used with the joint 10, illustrated in FIG. 1, after the nubbin is threaded into the tubular joint 10, an elevator can be attached to the collar 52 to raise or lower the tubular joint 10, when the casing string is being made up or disassembled.
  • an elevator can be attached to the collar 52 to raise or lower the tubular joint 10, when the casing string is being made up or disassembled.
  • the use of the nubbin 50 in the prior art enables the simulation of the use of collar joints illustrated in FIG. 4, all as is known in the prior art. It should be appreciated that while the nubbin 50 works sufficiently well to enable the joint of casing to be raised or lowered by an elevator, use of the nubbin 50 can be quite burdensome if used with very large joints of steel casing.
  • the nubbin 50 weighs approximately 150 pounds and when sized to use with 18 inch steel casing, requires, sometimes, three men to hold the nubbin 50 over their heads, and to thread the nubbin 50 into the box end of the casing joint to be manipulated. This sometimes can take undue amounts of time, for example, fifteen or twenty minutes, to thread the nubbin 50 into the large diameter casing joint and, then, to be removed as soon as the casing joint is threaded into the joint of casing immediately below it in the casing string. This burdensome, time consuming use of the nubbin is well-known in this art. Referring now to FIG.
  • FIG. 6 there is illustrated an isometric, pictorial view of a steel or other metallic ring member 60 having a central flow passage 62 and having an internal diameter sized to fit over the end of a tubular joint, such as tubular joint 10 in FIG. 1 and the tubular joint 20 in FIG. 2.
  • the ring member 60 has attached, at its lower end, an upset collar member 64 having an external diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of the body 66 of the ring 60.
  • the ring body 66 has a groove 68 which is recessed within the interior dimension of the ring body 66, which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 8.
  • a slot 70 is milled completely through the ring body portion 66 and is aligned vertically with the internal groove 68 for reasons as set forth hereinafter.
  • FIG. 7 there is a top view of the ring member 60, which illustrates the ring member 60 as having an internal passage 62 which is sized to barely slip over the exterior of an oilfield tubular, such as the casing joint 10 in FIG. 1.
  • a groove 68 is illustrated in dotted lines, which is recessed on the internal diameter of the ring body 66.
  • FIG. 8 there is illustrated a sectional view taken along the section line 8-8 of FIG. 7, which partly in cross section shows the ring body 66 joined at its lower end to collar member 64.
  • the ring body 66 has the mill slot 70 vertically, aligned with the groove 68.
  • the groove 68 has an inclined surface 81 against which the band 80, illustrated in FIGs 9, 10, and 11, having an inclined surface 82 is accommodated.
  • the band 80 has a gap 84 to enable the two ends of the band 80 to be connected by a latch assembly described hereinafter.
  • the metallic band 80 is illustrated in greater detail.
  • the band 80 has a gap 84 which uses a latching assembly, described in more detail hereinafter, to draw the opposite ends of the band 80 closer together and to keep them from being spread apart when the latch assembly is latched.
  • FIG. 10 it is seen that the band 80 has an inclined surface 82 which will ride against the inclined surface 81 illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • the band 80 has a saw-tooth inner diameter 83, which provides a gripping surface against which the external diameter of a tubular joint can be gripped.
  • the gripping surface can be replaced with a mechanical obstruction surface, as shown in FIG.'s 27 and 28.
  • FIG. 12 the apparatus which is earlier described with respect to FIG.'s 6, 7 and 8, is also illustrated in FIG. 12, but which also includes the additional thread protector body 90, which at its lower end 92, rides upon the shoulder or collar member 64 when the device is used as a thread protector for the pin end of a tubular joint, such as the pin end 14 illustrated with the tubular joint 10 in FIG. 1.
  • the resulting configuration shows a flush surface between the lower end 92 and the collar member 64.
  • the internal diameter of the thread protector body 90 is chosen to be larger than the pin end 14 of the tubular joint 10 so that the inside surface 91 of the thread protector body 90 (shown in FIG. 12) does not touch the threads of the pin end 14.
  • the upper end 94 of the thread protector body 90 extends in towards the centerline 96 of the thread protector body 90 as an optional feature to add more protection for the threads being protected on the pin end 14 of the tubular joint 10.
  • the thread protector body 90 can be non- metallic, for example plastic or hard rubber, to further decrease the possibility of the thread protector body 90 damaging the threads of the pin end 14.
  • FIG. 13 A and FIG. 13B an isometric view of the latch assembly 100 is illustrated which shows the band 80, as illustrated in FIG.'s 9, 10 and 11.
  • the latch assembly 100 can be used to narrow the gap 84, which is illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • a padeye 102 can be attached to the other end of the band 80.
  • a draw bolt 106 passes through the padeye 102 and has a spring 109 which is held on to the draw bolt 106 by a nut 110, which can be adjusted, as needed, to vary the tension in the band and to control the grip action of the band 80.
  • FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B show a handle 112 that is attached to a padeye 104.
  • a pair of latch links 114 and 116 are shown attached to a second end of the draw bolt 106, and the pair of latch links can be attached at their second ends to the handle 112, as also shown.
  • the draw bolt padeye 102 is shown in greater detail.
  • the draw bolt 106 has a first threaded end (105), a smooth intermediate section 108, and a second end having a through-hole 111 through which the through-hole may receive an axis bolt, which allows the links 114 and 116 to pivot.
  • the intermediate smooth section 108 of the draw bolt 106 passes through the center portion of the padeye 102 and that the spring 109, illustrated in FIG. 13A and 13B, is maintained between the padeye 102 and the nut 110.
  • the tension in spring 109 can be altered by rotation of the nut 110, by one way or the other.
  • the handle padeye 104 is shown in great detail in FIG.'s 16A and 16B.
  • FIG. 17A illustrates the handle 112
  • FIG. 17B illustrates a different view of the handle 112 as illustrated in FIG. 17A.
  • the handle padeye 104 shown in greater detail in FIG.'s 16A and 16B, can be arranged to be mounted within the U-shaped slot 113 of the handle 112, as shown in FIG. 17A, and the axle bolt can pass through the through-hole 115 of the handle and the hole 117 of the handle padeye 104 (shown in FIG. 16A), which allows the links 114 and 116 to pivot within the handle padeye 104 as the handle 112 is rotated.
  • the handle 112 also has a through-hole 119, which allows an axial bolt to pass through the through-hole 119, in addition to the through-holes 121 and 123, of the link arms 116 and 114, respectively.
  • the two latch links 116 and 114 are illustrated in FIG.'s 18A and 19A, respectively. It should be appreciated that FIG. 18A is merely a difference view of the link shown in FIG. 18B, and that FIG. 19A is the same link as FIG. 19B, but shown from a different view.
  • the band 80 within the ring 60 is slipped over one end of the tubular joint 10, as shown in FIG 21A.
  • the device When the device is used as a thread protector, it is usually slipped over the end of the tubular joint 10 having the pin end 14.
  • the band configuration When the band configuration is used as a lift ring, to which there will be attached an elevator, the device will be slipped over the box end of the tubular joint, assuming that the casing is usually run into the well with the box end up. Encasing the band 80 over the casing joint, it is first placed within the ring 60, illustrated in FIG. 6, so that it will rest within the groove 68.
  • the handle 100 will be exposed to the rig hand through the mill slot 70.
  • the assembled device having the ring 60 and the band 80 is slipped over the end of the tubular joint.
  • the ring 60 will have its shoulder end 64 placed over the casing joint, and when properly positioned, which is usually a foot or so below the box end of the tubular joint 10, then the handle 112 for the latch mechanism 100 will be rotated away from the end having the nut 110 thereon.
  • the latch is illustrated in the closed position in FIG. 13B.
  • FIG. 20 a prior art joint of oilfield tubular 10, such as is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 1 and having an upper box end 12 and a lower pin end 14, is illustrated as having a load lifting ring 60, in accordance with the present invention.
  • the load lifting ring 60 as shown, is attached near the upper box end 12, having the internal threads
  • FIG. 20 also includes the thread protector body 90 shown, in accordance with the present invention, connected near the lower pin end 14 of the tubular 10 for protecting the male thread 14, such as is illustrated in FIG.l, but could also include the lower pin end having the male threads 24, such as are illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the upper end 94 of the thread protector body 90 as shown in FIG. 20, can be usable for providing additional protection for the threads being protected on the lower pin end 14 of the tubular joint 10.
  • both the load lifting ring 60 and thread protector body 90 can be used on the same joint of oilfield tubular as the tubular is being manipulated, such as moving the tubular from a horizontal to a vertical position, or vice versa.
  • moving the tubular can include tripping the tubular into or out of a wellbore, such as is commonly done on an oilfield drilling rig or a completion rig, when tripping casing into or out of the wellbore.
  • FIG. 21A is an elevated, isometric view of a box end of a partial length of an oilfield tubular 10, illustrating the ring member 60 (i.e., load lifting ring) as illustrated in FIG. 6, but having an optional or second ring member 130, also illustrated in FIG's 21B and 21C.
  • the ring member 130 preferably can be a split ring, manufactured, milled, formed, extruded, modeled or otherwise made from nylon, TEFLON* ( * Trademark of Dupont de Nemours, E.i.
  • the ring member 130 can be bonded to the sidewall of the ring body 66, and against the top surface (not illustrated) of the collar member 64 illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • the ring member 130 can have a cut-out portal 131, which can be aligned with the slot 70, illustrated in FIG. 6, to allow access to the latch mechanism 100.
  • the top end of the ring member 130 has a beveled edge 132 to also facilitate passing the combination load ring through the elevator slips.
  • FIG. 22A there is illustrated a ring band 180 which is essentially identical to the band 80 illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • the ring band 180 has first and second ends 181 and 183, respectively, having pins 185 and 187, respectively.
  • FIG. 22C illustrates a plate 182 having a plurality of holes therein.
  • the plate shown in FIG 22C includes five holes numbered 188, 189, 190, 191 and 193.
  • the hole 188 slidably fits over the pin 185, shown in FIG. 22B, and one of the other holes (189, 190, 191 or 193) can be slidably fitted over the pin 187 to hold the ends 181 and 183 closer together, as illustrated in FIG. 22B.
  • the ends 181 and 183 Prior to placing the plate 182 over the pins 185 and 187, the ends 181 and 183 can be pushed closer together by hand or by a tool, as appropriate.
  • FIG. 22D illustrates an alternative method and apparatus for pulling the two ends 181 and 183 closer together.
  • the spring 192 having a pair of hooks 220 and 222 at the respective ends of the spring 192, are placed over the pins 185 and 187, respectively, while the spring 192 is pulled apart by hand, or by a chosen tool. By then releasing the spring 192, the ends 181 and 183 are pulled closer together and are maintained closer together by the spring 192. It should be appreciated that in the relaxed position of the spring 192, the pins 185 and 187, in the relaxed position of the band 180 as illustrated in FIG. 22A, are distanced apart by an amount greater than the distance between the hooks 220 and 222. [00098] FIG.
  • 22E and 22F illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention using a slidable plate 202.
  • the holes 203 and 205 are slidably placed onto the pins 185 and 187 and, then, a first plate 204 and a second plate 206 are caused to slide towards each other by having a first ratcheting surface 207 on the first plate 204 and a second ratcheting surface 209 on the second plate 206.
  • the ratcheting movement of the first and second plates causes the two ends 181 and 183 to be moved closer together and maintained in that position.
  • clamping mechanism 100 illustrated in FIG.'s 13A and 13B
  • the additional means illustrated in FIG.'s 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E and 22F, also function to cause the band 80, or 180 as the case may be, to be moved closer together to reduce the internal diameter of the band 180 to thereby contact the exterior surface of the casing and, thus, enable the load lifting ring 60 and/or the thread protector body 90 to function as contemplated by this invention.
  • the ring in connection with the band as described above, can be modified to connect or lift a tubular having an upset, which can include a tubular with a tapered or swaged section or connection, or a tubular with an integral box end.
  • an upset tubular shall include any tubular that has a change, reduction or variance in the outer diameter. Examples of upset tubulars shall include, but are not be limited to, tapered tubulars, swaged tubulars, tubulars with a box end, or any combinations thereof.
  • an apparatus for creating a mechanical obstruction or mechanical interference can be utilized to lift the upset tubulars. As shown in FIG's 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B and 25, the apparatus 460 for lifting upset tubulars can comprise a band 456, such as a first housing, and a ring 410, such as a second housing.
  • the band 456 can comprise a substantially cylindrical ring collet 400, which can comprise a mechanical obstruction structure 404 on the unsupported end, as shown in FIG. 23A.
  • the band can comprise elongated members or blades 403, such as fingers 403, which can support the mechanical obstruction structure 404 on the unsupported end.
  • a mechanical obstruction structure or a mechanical obstruction surface can be the area on the band, or the second housing, which contacts the external diameter of the upset tubular, wherein the mechanical obstruction structure can lift the tubular by providing structural support to the upset tubular 450 (shown in FIG's 24A and 24B).
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404, or the mechanical obstruction surface(s) 87 can replace the gripping structure(s) on any band, as described above.
  • the saw-tooth inner diameter 83 of the band 80 as shown in FIG's 9 and 10 regarding the gripping device, can be replaced with a smooth inner diameter 87, as shown in FIG.'s 26 and 27, for providing the mechanical obstruction surface(s) 87 of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404.
  • FIG. 23B shows a perspective view of an alternative configuration to the embodiment shown in FIG 23A, in which the mechanical obstruction structures 404 are not connected to the first housing or band 456.
  • the individual mechanical obstruction structures 404 are shown unattached to both the first housing 456 and the second housing 410, when the load lifting apparatus 460 is disengaged with an upset tubular (not shown).
  • the mechanical obstruction structures 404 are brought into contact with the first housing 456 and/or the second housing 410, for connecting the two housing(s) of the load lifting apparatus 460; and then, the mechanical obstruction structures 404 can be compressed against the upset tubular 450.
  • FIG. 23B illustrates a sloped internal surface 470, of the second housing 410, for retaining and compressing the mechanical obstruction structure 404.
  • the internal diameter of the sloped internal surface 470 can decrease to continuously compress the mechanical obstruction structures 404, as the mechanical obstruction structures 404 are inserted deeper, or are recessed, into the second housing or ring 410.
  • an external pressure produced from, for example, a mechanical contact with the ring or second housing (410) or a spring or spring-loaded mechanism, can be applied to the mechanical obstruction structures 404 for compressing the mechanical obstruction structures 404 against the upset tubular 450, and for further holding or retaining the mechanical obstruction structures 404 in place.
  • one or more ball bearings can be utilized to quickly connect the mechanical obstruction structures 404 with the first housing 456 and/or the second housing 410, or to retain mechanical obstruction structures 404 against the upset tubular.
  • at least part of the mechanical obstruction structure 404 can comprise a plurality of ball bearings.
  • a plurality of ball bearings can be positioned inside at least one of the housings, and with compressive force(s), one or more of the plurality of ball bearings can protrude to contact the upset tubular. Once engaged by a mechanical obstruction structure comprising the plurality of ball bearings, the upset tubular can be safely positioned or lifted.
  • the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structures 404 In order to engage an upset tubular for enabling the safe lifting of the tubular, the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structures 404, when engaged, should be less than the largest external diameter of the upset tubular. Therefore, the load lifting apparatus 460 should be capable of sufficiently compressing the mechanical obstruction structures 404 to engage the upset tubular 450 and to form the mechanical obstruction.
  • the mechanical obstruction structures 404 In forming the mechanical obstruction, the mechanical obstruction structures 404, with the use of compressive forces, can contact an upset tubular 450. This contact can change the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structures 404, from a diameter greater than the largest external diameter of the upset tubular to a diameter less than the largest exterior diameter of the upset tubular section, and enable the lifting of the tubular 450. This change, of internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structures 404, allows the load lifting apparatus 460 to be placed at the upset section 458 of the upset tubular 450.
  • the upset tubular 450 is engaged by compressing the mechanical obstruction structures 404 against a portion of the exterior of the upset tubular 450. Upon completing the engagement, the upset tubular 450 can be lifted or hoisted, for example, by using an elevator system.
  • a mechanical device for example, the second housing or ring 410, can be used to create the compressional force(s) that compress the mechanical obstruction structures 404 against at least part of the upset tubular 450.
  • one or more spring(s) or spring-loaded mechanism(s) can be utilized for compressing the mechanical obstruction structures 404 against at least part of the upset tubular 450.
  • the one or more spring(s) or spring-loaded mechanism(s) can be positioned, for example, inside the ring or second housing 410, such as within the interior surface of the ring 410.
  • the one or more spring(s) or spring-loaded mechanism(s) can act on both the ring or second housing 410 and the band or first housing 456, as described above, to compress the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 against the upset tubular 450.
  • the compressional forces from the one or more spring(s) or spring-loaded mechanism(s) can maintain the position of the ring and band without the need for a mechanical connection, such as latching or screwing together the first and second housings.
  • a mechanical connection such as latching or screwing together the first and second housings.
  • Persons skilled in the art upon receiving the benefit of the disclosure herein, would recognize additional embodiments that can create the compressional force(s) and maintain the position of the ring and band, such as the use of hydraulics, pneumatics, magnetic forces or electromagnetic energy.
  • a mechanical obstruction structure for lifting upset tubulars differs structurally and functionally from the use of a gripping device that requires a gripping surface, such as a surface having a saw-tooth edge or serrated teeth for contacting, gripping, biting and/or digging into the tubular for lifting.
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) can be used with, or as a part of, a load lifting apparatus for safely contacting and lifting upset tubulars.
  • the use of the mechanical obstruction structures 404 includes the use of compressive force(s) for changing the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structures 404.
  • the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structures 404 can change, from a diameter greater than the largest external diameter of an upset tubular 450 to a diameter less than the largest exterior diameter of the upset tubular 450, for enabling the lifting of the upset tubular 450.
  • the use of mechanical obstruction structures for lifting upset tubulars does not require the use of gripping devices, gripping surfaces or frictional forces produced by the use of gripping devices having serrated teeth or saw-tooth edges, for the lifting of the upset tubulars.
  • a gripping device which is usable for lifting a tubular, functions by rigidly gripping the tubular, and in conjunction with gripping and frictional forces, structurally supports the weight of the tubular by digging or biting into the exterior surface and/or walls of the tubular.
  • a mechanical obstruction structure device functions by altering or varying the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure of the load lifting apparatus for contacting, engaging and supporting the tubular.
  • gripping and frictional forces are created by serrated teeth or saw-tooth edges of a gripping surface, which are brought into contact with the exterior surface and/or walls of the tubular, by digging or biting into the exterior surface and/or walls of the tubular.
  • mechanical obstruction structures can support the weight of an upset tubular, directly, by using compressive forces to vary the diameter of the mechanical obstruction structures for supporting the tubular, without the need for any gripping and/or frictional forces produced from serrated or sawtooth edges or surfaces. Therefore, a mechanical obstruction structure, or the use of a mechanical interference, can provide a safer and more sufficient apparatus, system and method for lifting upset tubulars, than systems and methods that use a gripping device.
  • the mechanical obstruction structures, or the use of a mechanical interference can prevent damage to the upset tubular because the mechanical obstruction structures rely directly on the structural support of the obstruction or interference, and there is no requirement for frictional forces to assist in any gripping and support of the upset tubular.
  • the mechanical obstruction surface 87 of each mechanical obstruction structure 404 can be substantially free of any serrated teeth and/or saw-tooth edges, as required by gripping devices.
  • the mechanical obstruction surface 87 can be a substantially smooth surface.
  • a gripping surface or device can be utilized to sufficiently grip and support the tubulars for lifting.
  • a mechanical obstruction structure(s) is preferable to support an upset tubular for lifting. This is because the gripping devices are generally not able to grip the upset tubulars sufficiently, leading to loss of control and dropped tubulars.
  • a mechanical obstruction surface(s) 87 replaces the gripping surface of the band 80, which was used for griping an oilfield tubular.
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can be part of a load lifting apparatus 460, which can comprise a band or first housing 456 and a ring or second housing 410.
  • the ring or second housing 410 can comprise one or more interior surfaces
  • the band or first housing 456 can comprise one or more exterior surfaces and the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 comprising mechanical obstruction surface(s) 87.
  • the band 456 can be disposed relative to the ring 410, such that the one or more exterior surfaces of the band 456 can contact the one or more interior surfaces of the ring 410.
  • At least one of the interior surfaces of the ring 410 can comprise a first portion and at least one of the exterior surfaces of the band 456 can comprise a second portion, wherein, in an embodiment, the first portion can be wider than the second portion, as shown in FIG. 12.
  • An external force can be applied to the band 456 for moving the one or more exterior surfaces of the band 456 relative to the one or more interior surfaces of the ring 410.
  • contact can occur between a first portion of the one or more interior surfaces of the ring 410 and a second portion of the one or more exterior surfaces of the band 456, to urge the mechanical obstruction surface 87 toward the upset oilfield tubular 450.
  • the band 456 can further comprise a cylindrical section, as shown in FIG. 23A.
  • the cylindrical section can be connected to a plurality of elongated members or blades 403, in which each elongated blade 403 can comprise a mechanical obstruction structure 404, with a mechanical obstruction surface 87, on the unsupported end of the elongated blades 403.
  • the apparatus for lifting upset tubulars 450 can comprise one mechanical obstruction structure 404 or a plurality of mechanical obstruction structures 404, for example, the mechanical obstruction structures can be joined or formed as one mechanical obstruction structure 404, or each mechanical obstruction structure can be spaced apart from the others for forming a plurality of mechanical obstruction structures 404.
  • the diameter of the interior of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404, attached to the band 456, can be smaller than the largest exterior diameter of the upset tubular 450, after external compressive forces have been applied to the band 456 to move the exterior surface of the band 456 radially inward and relative to the interior surface of the ring 410.
  • a latch mechanism 454 as shown in FIG.'s 24A and 24B, can be used with this embodiment of the mechanical obstruction structure 404.
  • Embodiments of the present invention can include methods for lifting a tubular, wherein a portion of the tubular comprises an upset.
  • the steps of the method can include providing a ring, which comprises an interior surface, and providing a band, which comprises an exterior surface and a mechanical obstruction structure(s).
  • the band can be disposed relative to the ring, such that the exterior surface of the band can contact the interior surface of the ring.
  • at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface can comprise a first portion wider than a second portion, and an external force can be applied to the band to move the exterior surface relative to the interior surface, such that contact between the first portion and at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface urges the mechanical obstruction structure(s) toward the upset tubular.
  • the steps of the method can continue by inserting the upset tubular inside the band, and engaging the upset tubular, which has been inserted inside the band, with the mechanical obstruction structure(s), by contacting the exterior surface of the band with the interior surface of the ring for enabling the engagement between the mechanical obstruction structure(s) and the upset tubular.
  • Engagement between the mechanical obstruction structure(s) and the upset tubular includes any contact between a surface of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) and a surface of the upset tubular, which can include contact that is sufficient to enable the lifting of the tubular.
  • the steps of the method can be completed by lifting the upset tubular, which has been engaged by the mechanical obstruction structure(s), using a lifting device, such as an elevator.
  • the methods for lifting upset tubulars can include the upset tubular 450 being inserted inside the band or first housing 456.
  • the upset tubular 450 while positioned inside the band or first housing 456, can be engaged by the mechanical obstruction surface(s) 87 of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 by contacting the ring or second housing 410 with the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404.
  • the upset tubular 450 can be engaged by the mechanical obstruction surface(s) 87 of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 by including an at least one spring or spring-loaded mechanism within the ring, for example, within the interior surface of the ring or second housing 410, and contacting or connecting the spring or spring-loaded mechanism with the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404.
  • the upset tubular 450 now engaged by the mechanical obstruction surface(s) 87 of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 and the ring or second housing 410, can be lifted, for example, by using an elevator or other lifting device.
  • the load lifting apparatus 460 can comprise a ring collet 400, as shown in FIG. 23A which illustrates a side view of the ring collet 400.
  • the ring collet 400 can be a metal cage device that can be adapted, as described below, for engaging and lifting the upset tubulars 450.
  • the load lifting apparatus 460 can comprise at least two housings, with the first housing or band 456 comprising the ring collet 400, as shown in FIGs 24A and 24B.
  • the ring collet 400 can comprise a ring or a substantially cylindrical first or upper portion 401 and a second or bottom portion 402.
  • the second or bottom portion 402 can be divided into a plurality of elongated blades or members 403, as shown in the Figure.
  • Each elongated blade 403 can have a mechanical obstruction structure 404, which can include a mechanical obstruction surface 87, for example, a protruding surface at the unsupported end thereof.
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can be continuous, or alternatively, can include small gaps or spacing 405 between the adjacent mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404.
  • the elongated blades 403, with the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can enable the operator to easily determine or calculate measurements regarding the amount of compressive force and/or reduction in the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404, which is beneficial for safely engaging and lifting the upset tubular.
  • the lengths of the elongated members or blades 403, and the spacing 405 between the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 are specifically designed to provide a favorable or the desired amount of compressive force or reduction in the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404. This embodiment is beneficial for creating the required mechanical obstruction to safely lift the upset tubulars.
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can be tapered outwardly or straight, when in the neutral position and not engaged with the ring or second housing 410. However, with pressure or resistance, the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can be moved and can taper inwardly, such as when engaged by the ring or second housing 410.
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can have a larger cross-section than the elongated blades 403.
  • the larger cross-section of each mechanical obstruction structure 404 can provide a larger surface area for contacting the exterior of the upset tubular 450 and can provide the ability to more favorably control the interior diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure 404.
  • the larger cross-section further allows increased load bearing or structural weight carrying capabilities of the mechanical obstruction structure 404.
  • a flange 407 is formed on the outside of the ring collet 400.
  • a flange can be located on the outside of the first housing 456 or the second housing 410.
  • the flange 407 can be used to lift the upset tubular 450 by contacting and engaging a lifting device, such as an elevator.
  • the elevator can lift the upset tubular and load lifting apparatus 460 by contacting the flange 407, located on the exterior of the ring collet 400 or the first housing 456, wherein the first housing 456 is connected to the ring or second housing 410.
  • the flange would need to be of a sufficient strength to support the weight of the load lifting apparatus 460 and the upset tubular 450.
  • FIGs. 24A, 24B, and 25 illustrate the first housing or band 456 being the upper housing or unit, and a second housing or ring 410 being the lower housing or unit.
  • the first and second housings can be reversed; and therefore, the load lifting apparatus is not necessarily restricted to a first or upper housing and a second or lower housing, as shown in FIGs. 24A, 24B, and 25.
  • each elongated blade 403, including the mechanical obstruction structure 404 is substantially straight or tapered outwardly when not engaged by a second housing or ring 410.
  • the round or curved outer surface of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can be designed to be engaged by a second housing or ring 410.
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 of the elongated blade(s) 403 can move inwardly and can engage an upset tubular 450 by closing radially inward, as shown in FIG. 24B.
  • the mechanical obstruction structures 404 When engaged with the upset tubular 450, the mechanical obstruction structures 404 can be continuous, except for small gaps or spacing 405 between the adjacent mechanical obstruction structures 404, as shown in FIG. 23A.
  • a ring or second housing body 410 comprising a structural band 412, can be inserted outside the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 and can be used to engage the mechanical obstruction structures 404 of the ring collet 403 or the first housing or band 456.
  • At least a three-piece load lifting apparatus 460 is utilized, as shown in FIG.'s 24A and 24B.
  • the ring for example, ring collet 400 is separated from the first housing 456 and second housing 410.
  • the ring collet 400 is sized to fit inside and be connected to the first housing 456.
  • the ring collet 400 is interchangeable and can be replaced when worn, without having to replace the entire first housing.
  • the ring collet 400 can be interchangeable to enable an operator to select and provide the ring collet 400 with elongated members or blades 403, of a desired length, spacing and flexibility, and mechanical obstruction structure(s), with properties that provide the required amount of compression or reduction in the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 and provide the structural load bearing support, to safely lift the upset tubular 450.
  • the ring collet 400 can be secured to the first housing 456 by various means, including, but not limited to, threads, screws, mechanical connectors, bolts, adhesives, fasteners, pins or safety pins, compressional force devices, such as, sliding spring mechanisms, or any combinations thereof.
  • the second housing or ring 410 can engage the ring collet 410, when the ring collet 400 is positioned inside the first housing or band 456, as described above, for forming the three-piece load lifting apparatus 460.
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can provide sufficient structural support to lift the upset tubular 450.
  • the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 either alone or in combination with the second housing 410, must be made of a material that is of sufficient strength to support the weight of the upset tubular 450. Suitable materials for the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can include, but are not limited to, metals, alloys, high strength composite materials, and any combinations thereof.
  • the second housing or ring 410 can be made of materials, such as metals, alloys, composite materials or combinations thereof; however, the lower end of the second housing or ring, such as the structural band 412, can be made of a metal, a high strength alloy, a high strength metal composite, or combinations thereof.
  • the first housing or band 456 can be made of a lighter weight material to reduce the load or weight of the load lifting apparatus 460.
  • Suitable materials for the first housing 456 can include, but are not limited to, light metals, such as aluminum, plastics, lighter composite materials, or any combinations thereof.
  • the ring collet 400 can be made of materials that are flexible enough to be sufficiently compressed for reducing the interior diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404, located at the end of the elongated blades 403, wherein the interior diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 is compressed to an amount or a diameter that is less than the maximum diameter of the upset tubular, while engaged. However, the interior diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 must be greater than the maximum diameter of the upset tubular, when the ring collet 400 is in the neutral or disengaged position.
  • the ring collet 400 comprises the elongated blades 403, which can be flexible enough to compress the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404.
  • the compression of the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can be related to the outer diameter of the initial tubular and the amount of change in the outer diameter of the tubular caused by the upset.
  • the upset differential can be one-half inch, regardless of the outer diameter of the tubular. Therefore, a one-half inch upset on a twelve (12) inch diameter tubular would require more compression of the internal diameter of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404, for safely lifting the tubular, than a one -half inch upset on a five (5) inch diameter tubular.
  • Suitable materials for the elongated members or blades 403 can include, but are not limited to, flexible metals, including aluminum, plastics, composites, or any combinations thereof.
  • the preferred properties of the materials for the make-up of the load lifting apparatus, including the mechanical obstruction structures 404 can depend, directly, on the upset tubular. For example, a larger tubular, with a one-half inch offset, would require more compression of the mechanical obstruction structures 404 and, thus, more flexible material(s) for the make-up of the load lifting apparatus, including particularly the mechanical obstruction structures 404, than a smaller tubular with a one-half inch upset.
  • a larger upset tubular is typically heavier and, thus, may require stronger materials for the make-up of the load lifting apparatus, including the make-up of the mechanical obstruction structures 404, for providing the structural strength necessary to lift the tubular.
  • Persons skilled in the art with the benefit of the disclosure herein, could design and engineer the load lifting apparatus, using materials to provide favorable properties, based upon the upset tubular that is being engaged.
  • the exterior sidewalls or outer walls of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can have circumferential threads or grooves 462, which can be complementary to the threads or grooves 466 on the interior surface of the second housing or ring 410, as shown in FIG. 25.
  • the circumferential threads 462 can mate with corresponding threads 466 on the interior of the second housing 410, wherein the second housing 410 can be a bodynut.
  • the interior of the bodynut can have a complementary taper to the taper of the engaged mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 that are in contact with the upset tubular 450.
  • FIG. 25 the circumferential threads 462 and complementary threads 466, described above, are shown as dashed lines.
  • the upset tubular 450 can be inserted into the bottom of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 of the ring collet 400.
  • the second housing or ring 410 can be either completely removed from the ring collet 400 or only slightly engaged with the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404.
  • Such an "open” or “disengaged” position of the load lifting apparatus 460 is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 24A. In the open or disengaged position, as shown in FIG.
  • the inner surface of the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404, or the mechanical obstruction structure(s) can be of any shape (e.g., flat, curved, circular, square), size and/or structural configuration that provides the necessary and/or desired flexibility, surface area and structural properties needed for contacting and/or lifting a tubular.
  • the second housing 410 or bodynut can be rotated in the direction of arrow 468, for forming a "made-up" position of the load lifting apparatus 460, as shown in FIG. 24B.
  • its inner surface (including threads 466 in an embodiment)
  • This compression can move or flex the elongated members or blades 403 inwardly until the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 at least partially contact or engage a sidewall of the upset tubular 450.
  • the specific orientation of the elongated members or blades 403 and the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 can allow the mechanical obstruction structure(s) 404 to engage at least part of the upset section 458 of the upset tubular 450.
  • This embodiment can engage and lift an upset tubular 450, including but not limited to, a tapered tubular, a swaged tubular, and/or a tubular comprising a box end, by partially contacting the upset section 458 of the tubular 450.
  • the first housing or band 456 and the second housing or ring 410 can be secured with a connection, such as a latching mechanism, to assure that the load lifting apparatus 460 cannot be rotated or disengaged, and to prevent an undesired release of the upset tubular or casing 450.
  • a connection such as a latching mechanism
  • Suitable connectors can include, but are not limited to, fasteners, latches or latching mechanisms, nuts, bolts, screws, pins, adhesives, and combinations thereof.
  • the connector can be a sliding safety latch, such as a latch and pin mechanism, for securing the first housing or band 456 with the second housing or ring 410.
  • the sliding safety latch can be any safety latch, or the sliding safety latch can utilize the inventive ring and band embodiment disclosed herein.
  • duck-tail notches 454 on the upper perimeter of the band or first housing 456 are designed to be complimentary and to latch onto the notches 454 on the interior of the ring or the second housing 410. Therefore, the connected first and second housings cannot be disconnected or unscrewed until the latch is removed. This latching system can ensure that the first and second housings are latched and locked together until the operator disengages the housings.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • 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)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de levage de charge qui comprend un premier boîtier, un second boîtier et une ou des structures d'obstruction mécanique. Le premier boîtier est dimensionné pour coulisser sur un élément tubulaire à refoulement ayant un diamètre donné, lequel premier boîtier comprend la ou les structures d'obstruction mécanique qui sont conçues pour se déplacer radialement vers l'intérieur lorsqu'elles sont en prise avec le second boîtier. Le diamètre interne comprimé de la ou des structures d'obstruction mécanique peut entrer en contact avec l'élément tubulaire à refoulement, lequel élément tubulaire à refoulement peut ensuite être supporté par la ou les structures d'obstruction mécanique et le second boîtier, pour soulever de manière sécurisée l'élément tubulaire à refoulement.
EP16740693.3A 2015-01-20 2016-01-20 Bague de charge pour soulèvement par ascenseur d'une enveloppe ayant un refoulement Withdrawn EP3247934A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/600,249 US9567815B2 (en) 2003-10-21 2015-01-20 Load ring for lifting by elevator, of casing having an upset
PCT/US2016/014166 WO2016118650A1 (fr) 2015-01-20 2016-01-20 Bague de charge pour soulèvement par ascenseur d'une enveloppe ayant un refoulement

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EP3247934A1 true EP3247934A1 (fr) 2017-11-29
EP3247934A4 EP3247934A4 (fr) 2018-09-12

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Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5819805A (en) * 1994-03-22 1998-10-13 Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc. Casing thread protector
US5706894A (en) * 1996-06-20 1998-01-13 Frank's International, Inc. Automatic self energizing stop collar
AU770359B2 (en) * 1999-02-26 2004-02-19 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Liner hanger
US6796586B2 (en) * 2001-07-09 2004-09-28 Twin Bay Medical, Inc. Barb clamp
MXPA06005932A (es) * 2001-10-25 2007-05-07 Pleux Ocean Systems Ltd Entubado de pozo de sujecion.
US7237607B2 (en) * 2003-12-08 2007-07-03 Tesco Corporation Tubular stabbing protector and method
US20120061528A1 (en) * 2010-09-14 2012-03-15 VOX Rental Tools, Inc. Method and apparatus for gripping a tubular

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MX2017009414A (es) 2017-10-12
WO2016118650A1 (fr) 2016-07-28

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