GB2510072A

GB2510072A - Large diameter tubular lifting apparatus suitable for use on drilling rig

Info

Publication number: GB2510072A
Application number: GB1406846.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Richard Angelle; Logan Essex Smith
Original assignee: Franks International LLC
Current assignee: Franks International LLC
Priority date: 2009-06-22
Filing date: 2010-06-22
Publication date: 2014-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-22
Also published as: GB201406853D0; GB2509861B; GB2509861A; GB2510072B; GB201406846D0; GB2509860A; GB2509860B; GB201406847D0

Abstract

A lifting elevator, comprising: a first elevator segment; a second elevator segment; at least one pivot about which at least one of the elevator segment of the lifting elevator may rotate with respect to each other; a latch connecting the first elevator segment to the second elevator segment; a plurality of slips to engage a conductor string surrounded by the first and second elevator segments; and a powered actuator coupled to the first elevator segment and the second elevator segment, wherein the first elevator segment and the second elevator segment are moveable between an open position and a closed position by the powered actuator.

Description

LARGE DIAMETER TUBULAR LIFTING APPARATUSES AND METHODS

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

100011 The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods to lift and install large-diameter tubulars with a drilling rig. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods to raise horizontal sections of large-diameter pipe to mount them atop vertical strings of large-diameter pipe. More particularly still, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods to raise horizontal sections of conductor pipe to install them atop vertical strings of conductor pipe extending into a wcllbore.

Description of the Related Art

[00021 Referring to Figure 11, a perspective view is shown of a drilling rig 50 used to run tubular members 52 (e.g., casing, drill pipe, etc.) downhole into a wcllbore. As shown, drilling rig 50 includes a frame structure known as a "derrick" 54 from which a traveling block 56 and an elevator 58 andlor a top drive (not shown) may be used to manipulate (e.g., raise, lower, rotate, hold, etc.) tubular members 52. As shown, traveling block 56 is a device that is located at or near the top of derrick 54, in which traveling block 56 may move up-and-down (i.e., vertically as depicted) to raise or lower tubular members 52. As shown, traveling block may be a simple "pulley-style" block and may have a hook 60 from which objects below (e.g., elevator 58) may he hung. Additionally, elevator 58 may also be coupled below traveling block 56 and/or a top drive (not shown) to selectively grab or release tubular members 52 as they are to be raised or lowered within and from derrick 54. Typically, elevator 53 includes movable gripping components (e.gi, slips) movable between an open position and a closed position (shown in Figure 11). In the closed position, the movable components form a toad bearing ring (or shoulder) about or upon which tubular members 52 may bear and be lifted. In the open position, the movable components of elevator 58 may move away from one another to allow the tubular members 52 to be brought within or removed from elevator 58.

[00031 When assembling a string of tubular members 52 together, the tubular members 52 may be removed from a pipe rack 62 and pulled, or otherwise l transported, towards an access opening 64, for example, a v-door, within the derrick 54 of the drilling rig 50. The tubular members 52 may be loaded onto a pipe ramp 66 adjacent to the access opening 64, in which a rigidly mounted end stop 68 may abut the ends of the tubular members 52 to support the tubular members 52 up against access opening 64.

[09041 Tubular-shaped goods have a variety of uses in oilfield operations including, but not limited to, drill pipe, drill collars, casing, continuous coiled tubing, and the like. One such tubular-shaped good used in exploration and drilling is conductor pipe. Generally, conductor pipe (e.g., drive pipe) is large-diameter pipe (e.g., between about 75 cm to about 100 em or about 50 cm to about 182 cm in diameter), usually constructed of steel, that extends from the wellhead into the earth or ocean floor. As such, a string of conductor pipe sections (i.e., a conductor string) is typically the first string of "casing" run into the wellbore, and serves to stabilize the sediment surrounding the weilbore to prevent it from caving-in.

[0005] Installation of the conductor string may he performed any number of ways.

On land, the conductor string may be driven into the ground from above with an impact loading hammer apparatus. In certain locations, excavation may be necessary prior to driving the conductor string into the uncovered sediment. Offshore, conductor strings may similarly be installed, using impact driving and excavation techniques. In undersea environments, conductor strings may be "jetted in", for example with a pressurized fluid discharged (e.g., seawater) at a distal end of the conductor string displacing the sediment as the conductor string is advanced into the sea floor, Following such a jetting process, an impact driving process may be performed to force the conductor string further into the sea floor, if desired.

Additionally or alternatively, in undersea environments, conductor strings may be "sucked" into the sea floor by filling the string with water, sealing the conductor string, and then pumping, or evacuating, the trapped water from the inner bore of the conductor string. As the water is removed from the sealed bore of the conductor string, the conductor is plunged deeper into the sea floor as the sea floor sediment replaces the evacuated water. Following such a suction process, an impact driving process may be performed to force the conductor string further into the sea floor, if desired. Alternatively, impact driving may he performed simultaneously as the conductor string is jetted or sucked into the sea floor.

[0006] While conductor strings are relatively the largest (diameter) and shortest (length) strings of casing used to case a welibore, the strings are still long enough to be assembled from several sections, or joints, of conductor pipe. As such, because of their large diameter and desired permanent placement about the weilbore, conductor strings are typically assembled, on site, from several joints of conductor pipe 20-40 feet long, and may he threaded or welded together end-to-end.

[0007j Historically, assembling strings of conductor pipe on the rig floor has been a difficult and time-consuming process. In one example method, to install a new joint of conductor pipe atop a string conductor pipe already engaged into the welihore, a series of lifting eyes and handling eyes are affixed to the outer periphery of the large diameter and heavy-walled joint of conductor pipe to be added. In particular, a pair of heavy-duty lifting eyes are attached, typically 180° apart near the upper-most end of conductor pipe while it remains horizontal, either in the pipe rack or in another location on or near the drilling rig. Next, at least one pair of handling eyes are added to the joint of conductor pipe to be added, typically at opposite ends of the joint, but at similar radial positions.

[0008] As such, using various rigging and sling mechanisms, a crane may secure the bottom end of thc horizontal conductor pipe (from a handling eye) while another crane (or the rig draw works) raises the upper end so that the formerly horizontal joint of conductor pipe may be held in a vertical position. Once moved into place atop the string of conductor pipe already engaged into the wellbore (and held in location by its lifting eyes), the joint of conductor pipe to be added may be threaded together and/or welded in place. With the new joint of conductor pipe attached, the lifting eyes of the former topmost joint may be removed and the entire string of conductor pipe may be supported and lowered by the lifting eyes affixed to the outer profile of the newly-added joint. Once the string of conductor pipe is supported by the lifting eyes of the new joint, the handling eyes of the new joint are removed, e.g., to minimize resistance in running the conductor string into the wellbore.

[00091 However, the installation and removal of the lifting and handling eyes may be problematic in itself In many eases, bosses, pre-fabricated with the joint of conductor pipe, contain tapped holes to receive the lifting and handling eyes so that high-strength bolts may be used to transfer the load from the eyes to the joint of conductor pipe. Bosses are typically an external protrusion on the outer surface of the conductor pipe. When it comes time to remove the lifting and handling eyes, the bolts may he removed, however the boss remains. As a machining and welding process, the installation and manufacture of the bosses is both time consuming and expensive.

Further, as an upset on the outcr profile of the joint of conductor pipe, the bosses may add undesired resistance as the conductor string is driven further into the ground about the proposed wellbore and/or may prevent the sediment from re-settling around the conductor string, e.g., not allowing the sedimcnt to sufficiently retain the conductor string in place. As the bosses are typically wcldcd on and bolted to the lifting and handling eycs, they represent possible failure mechanisms that may disrupt operations should a boss, bolt, or lifting eye fail during the installation procedure.

10910] Alternatively, lifting and handling eyes may be directly welded to the outer profile of the joints of conductor pipe. Following use, the welds may be ground off and the outer profile of the conductor pipe may be ground smoother such that little or no resistance to being driven remains. However, depending on regulations for the particular location, "hot work" such as welding and grinding may not be allowed to be performed at particular times on the rig floor. Additionally, the processes to weld, remove, and grind smooth the outer profiles of the joints of conductor pipe may represent a tremendous amount of time investment. Furthermore, during the removal and grinding process, thcrc is opportunity for the outer profile of the joint of conductor pipe to become damaged to the point where it must be replaced or repaired.

Repairing a lower joint of conductor pipe following the installation of an upper joint of conductor pipe would be highly undesirable, and would consume tremendous amounts of time and rig resources.

[00111 Apparatuses and methods to simplify the lifting, assembly, and installation of strings of conductor pipe would be well received in the industry. in particular, apparatuses and methods to assemble and install joints of conductor easing without requiring the installation and removal of lifting and handling eyes would be a significant benefit to the industry.

SUMMARY OF TFIE CLAIMED SUBJECT MATTER

10012] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method to add a joint of pipe to a conductor siring including securing the conductor string with a spider, grasping an upper end of the joint of pipe with a segmented-ring elevator, engaging a plurality of slips of the elevator with an outer profile of the joint of pipe, raising the grasped joint of pipe from non-vertical to vertical, positioning the vertical joint of pipe atop the secured conductor string, attaching the joint of pipe to the conductor string, releasing the conductor string from the spider, and retaining the joint of pipe and the conductor string with the segmented-ring elevator.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a lifting elevator including a first elevator segment, a second elevator segment, at least one pivot about which at least one of the elevator segment of thc lifting elevator may rotate with respect to each other, a latch connecting the first elevator segment to the second elevator segment, and a plurality of slips to engage a conductor string surrounded by the first and second elevator segments.

[0014] Tn another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus to lift non-vertical pipe sections including a first lifting ring connected to a lifting point through a first lifting line, a second lifting ring connected to the lifting point through a second lifting line, and an inner profile of the first and second lifting rings configured to receive and secure a joint of horizontal pipe.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method to install a joint of conductor pipe to a conductor string including raising the joint of conductor pipe from a non-vertical position with a lifting apparatus, engaging a segmented ring elevator about the raised non-vertical joint of conductor pipe, closing the segmented ring elevator about the raised non-vertical joint of conductor pipe, activating at least one powered slip of the segmented ring elevator to grip the joint of conductor pipe, raising the segmented ring elevator until the joint of conductor pipe is in a vertical position, positioning the joint of conductor pipe atop the conductor string, and connecting the joint of conductor pipe to the conductor string.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

100161 Features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017J Figure 1 is a schematic view drawing of a horizontal lifting apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00181 Figure 2 is a schematic view drawing of a joint of conductor pipe being raiscd from a horizontal position to a vertical position in accordance with embodiments of

the prcsent disclosure.

100191 Figure 3 is a schematic view drawing of the joint of conductor pipe of Figure 2 in. the vertical position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic view drawing of the joint of conductor pipe of Figures 2 and 3 being connected to a string of conductor pipe in accordance with

embodiments of the present disclosure.

100211 Figure 5 is a schematic view drawing of the joint of conductor pipe of Figures 2-4 engaged into the weilbore along with the string of conductor pipe in accordance

with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00221 Figure 6 is a schematic view drawing of an elevator of Figures 2-5 being rcmovcd from the string of conductor pipe in accordance with embodiments of the

present disclosure.

100231 Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view drawing of the elevator of Figures 2-6 in accordance with embodiments of thc present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the elevator of Figure 7 in an open position about to engage a joint of conductor pipe in accordance with embodiments of the

present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 8A is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an actuated latch mechanism of the elevator of Figure 8.

10026] Figure 8B is a schematic view of a second embodiment of an actuated latch mechanism of the elevator of Figure 8.

[00271 Figure 9 is a schematic view of the elevator of Figure 8 in a closed position around the joint of conductor pipe in accordance with embodiments of the present

disclosure.

[0028] Figure 10 is a schematic view of the elevator of Figure 9 in a closed position with slips engaged into thc joint of conductor pipe in accordance with embodiments

of the present disclosure.

100291 Figure 11 is a prior-ad schematic drawing of a typical drilling rig.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Apparatuses and methods disclosed herein relate to the assembly and installation of strings of large-diameter tuhulars. While strings of conductor pipe are discussed in conjunction with the embodiments dcscribcd below, it should be understood that various types (and sizes) of tubular items may be handled, assembled, and installed in accordance with the embodiments described below.

[00311 Referring initially to Figure 1, a horizontal lifting apparatus 100 is shown schematically lifting a horizontally-stored joint of conductor pipe 1 02. As shown, lifting apparatus 100 includes a pair of lifting rings lO4A and 104B extending from a pair of lifting lines lO6A and 106B to a single lifting point 108. As shown, lifting lines 106A, 106B may be of equal length so that when rings 104A, 10411 are positioned at equal distances from ends of conductor pipe 102, vertical lifting at point 108 will result in a horizontal lift ofjoint of conductor pipe 102. However, in certain circumstances, it may be advantageous to lift joint of conductor pipe 102 at an angle (e.g., when required by available on rig floor, so those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the relative positions of lifting rings I 04A, 10411 and lengths of lifting lines I 06A, 1 0611 may he varied to achieve the desired angle of joint of conductor pipe 102 as it is lifted.

[0032] Further, it should be understood that lifting rings 104A, 104B may be constructed as continuous circular (or other) profiles such that they are simply slid over the ends of conductor pipe 102 and moved into position. Similarly, the internal profiles of lifting rings 104A, lO4B may comprise friction elements to prevent conductor pipe 102 from sliding out of the grasp of rings 1 04A, 1 04B during lifting operations. As such, the inncr profiles of lifting rings 104A, 104B may comprise rubber or hardened metal dies to prevent undesired movement of conductor pipe 1 02 relative thereto. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, when lines I 06A, 1 06B arc pulled at point 108, lifting rings 104A, 104B may be tilted with respect to an axis 110 of the joint of conductor pipe 102 at an angle cx. As such, lifting rings 104A, 104B may he constructed such that enough diametrical slack exists relative to the outer profile of joint of conductor pipe 102 that lifting rings 104A, 104B may "bite" into the conductor pipe 102 to more securely retain it, 100331 Additionally, lifting rings lO4A, 104B may be constructed as hinged and segmented rings such that they may be opened and closed laterally around the joint of conductor pipe 102 without needing to be slid over the ends. in particular, in cases where joints of conductor pipe 102 are laying directly on the floor of the rig or in the pipe rack, it may not be possible to slide rings I 04A, I 04B over the ends of layed pipe without lifting the conductor pipe 102 a sufficient amount to allow the thickness of lifting rings 104A, 104B thereunder. As such, seented, openable, and closeable Lifting rings lO4A, 104B may allow the joint of conductor pipe 102 to be "grabbed" from above and lifted. Furthermore, the mechanisms of lifting rings 104A, 104B may be such that the segments of each ring 104A, 104B are tended to be closed as tension from lines lOóA, 106B incrcases. Thus, for a joint of conductor pipe 102 laying on the floor, lifting rings 104A and 104B may be hingedly placed around the joint of pipe 102, hut may not be able to filly close with pipe 102 laying on the floor. As lines 106A, 106B are pulled from point 108, rings 104A, 104B may be pulled fully closed as pipe 102 is lifted from the floor.

[9034] Finally, while lifting lines 106A, 106B and lifting point 108 are shown schematically, it should be understood that various lifting methods and apparatus, for example, but not limited to, lifting slings, chains, and other rigging may be used in place of the simple schematic view shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, depending on location and the resources available, the horizontal lifting of joint of conductor pipe 102 from a pipe rack or the rig floor and next to be run may he performed by an auxiliary crane, a separate lifting apparatus, or by the drilling rig's draw works. After a "to be added" joint of conductor pipe 1 02 is disposed from its position in the pipe rack (or other location on the rig), it must be rotated to vertical before it may be assembled to the remainder of the string of conductor pipe 112.

100351 Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the rotation and assembly of joint of conductor pipe 102 to the remainder of a string of conductor pipe 112 is shown schematically. As depicted, the drilling rig includes a rig floor 114 and a spider 116 holding string of conductor pipe 112 in thc well. A segmented elevator 118 grasps a first end of thc joint of conductor pipe 102 to be added to string 112, such that joint of conductor pipe 102 may be tilted from a non-vertical position, e.g., the horizontal position in Figure 1, or an intermediate position, e.g., as shown in Figure 2, and to a vertical (Figure 3) position. As will bc described below in further detail, elevator 118 includes slips to grip the outer profile ofjoint of conductor pipe 102 and lifting lugs to allow elevator 118 to be lifted from a horizontal position to a vertical position so that lower end 120 of joint of conductor pipe 102 may he connected (e.g., threaded, welded, etc.) to the upper end 122 of the string of conductor pipe 112.

[00361 Referring now to Figures 4 the joint of conductor pipe 102 to he added is shown atop string of conductor pipe 112 where it may be connected in place at 124.

Prior to completion of the welding, spider II 6 supports the weight of pipe string 11 2 and elevator 118 supports the weight ofjoint of conductor pipe 102. With joint 102 securely connected to (and now integrally part of) conductor pipe string 112, the slips of spider 116 may he releascd so that die entire weight of the conductor pipe string 112 (including add on joint 102) may be carried by elevator 118.

[00371 Referring now to Figure 5, conductor pipe string 112 may be engaged into the formation surrounding the wellbore (e.g.. through driving, suction, jetting, etc.) from its full height (Figure 4) to it's new, lowered height such that upper end ofjoint 102 of conductor string 112 is adjacent and above rig floor 114. In this new position, the slips of spider 116 may be re-engaged so that spider 11 6 again holds the entire weight of string of conductor pipe 112. Referring briefly now to Figure 6, the slips of elevator 118 may be de-aetivated so that elevator 118 may be lifted, e.g., by the rig's draw works, and removed from upper end of added on joint 102 of conductor string 112 so that the process may be repeated with a new joint of conductor pipe to he added.

[00381 Referring now to Figure 7, a more detailed view of the elevator 118 depicted in Figures 2-6 is shown. Elevator 118 is shown constructed as a segmented ring comprising a first half 126A, a second half 126B, a hinge, 128, and a latch 130. Latch may be constructed as a pin, a hinge, or any other mechanism through which a connection between half l26A and half 126B may be coupled and dc-coupled. While elevator 118 is shown segmented into two halves 126A, 12613, those having ordinary skill will appreciate that more than two segments may be used. Furthermore, it should he understood that the segments of elevator 11 8 need not be equal in size or angle swept, For example, in one cmhodimcnt, segmcntcd elevator 118 may comprise three segments, two segments having 1 500 swept angles, and a third (e.g., non-pivoting) segment having an angle of 60°.

[00391 Furthermore, when in the closed position (shown), the inner profile 132 of the halves 126A, 126B of the segmented ring is generally circular in shape and includes a plurality of slip assemblies 134 spaced at generally equal radial positions (at a common axial location) thereabout. As shown, each slip assembly 134 includes a die, e.g., gripping surface, 136 configured to "bite" into contact with joints of conductor pipe (e.g., 102) and assembled conductor pipe string 112. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that slip assemblies 134 may be designed on inclined planes such that the grip diameter (i.e., the average inner diameter among the slip assemblies 134) of the slip assemblies 134 decreases as the slip assemblies are thrust downward.

In one embodiment, a single "timing ring" axially actuates all slip assemblies 134 simultaneously so that the grip diameter of the elevator 118 is relatively consistent.

The timing ring may be thrust hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, or through any type of actuator known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Thus, as slip assemblies 134 (and dies 136) are activated to engage the outer profile of conductor pipe string 112, additional downward thrusting of the conductor string 112 (e.g.. from the weight of the string 112) acts to increase the amount of "bite" dies 136 exhibit into conductor pipe string 112. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that slip assemblies 134 of elevator 11 8 may be activated and actuated using various methods and mechanisms available including, but not limited to, electrical activation, hydraulic activation, pneumatic activation, and mechanical activation.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 8, elevator 118 is shown in an open position as it is lowered over a horizontally-laying joint of conductor pipe 102. A lifting sling (not shown) or an alternative form of rigging may attach to elevator at lifting lugs 13 8A and I 38B. Such a lifting apparatus may include swivels or other devices so that elevator 118 may switch from vertical position (e.g., Figures 3 and 4) to horizontal position (Figure 8) with relative ease. In certain embodiments, elevator 11 2 may he suspended directly from the hook (e.g., 60 of Figure 11) of a traveling block (e.g., 56 of Figure ii) of the rig's draw works. As shown, elevator 118 is lowered about horizontal joint of conductor pipe 102 such that a back stop 140 of elevator abuts the top ofjoint of conductor pipe 102. Optionally, a pair of cylinders 144A, 144B may be used to open and close halves l26A, 126B of elevator 118. Similarly, referring briefly to Figure 8A, a cylinder 146 may be used to open and close latch 130 between halves 1 26B and I 26A. While hydraulic cylinders are depicted in Figures 8 and 8A as 144A, 144B, and 146, it should be understood that pneumatic cylinders, mechanical ball screws, or any other type of powered actuator may be used.

Alternatively still, referring to Figure SB, a torsion spring 148 in conjunction with an upset portion 150 of latch 130 may be used to bias latch 130 in a closed or open direction.

100411 Referring now to Figure 9, the two halves l26A, l26B of elevator 118 may rotate about hinge 128 to the closed position and latch 130 may rotate about pin 142 to lockably engage half l26B with half 1 26A. Because joint of conductor pipe 102 is non-vertical and elevated (e.g, with lifting apparatus 100 of Figure 1), two halves l26A, 126B of elevator 118 may rotate about hinge 128 to the closed position, e.g., encircling the joint 102. Depicted latch 130 has sufficient clearance to reach around the bottom of joint of conductor pipe 102 and engage with half 1 26A of segmented ring of elevator 118. With latch 130 secured closed, elevator may he lifted up (in direction Z) without concern that halves I 26A, 1 26B will separate and release joint of conductor pipe 102. As such, slips 134 may be activated to secure (and center) joint of conductor pipe 102 within the inner profile of elevator 118. In alternative embodiments, latch 130 may function without pivot pin 142 and may have a lower profile. It should be understood that embodiments disclosed herein should not be limited to a particular latch mechanism. Furthermore, it should be understood that latch mechanism (e.g., 130) may not be necessary at all, for example, powered actuators used to open and close halves 126A, i26B of elevator 118 may be used to keep halves I 26A, 126B together when lifting joint of conductor pipe 102.

100421 Referring now to Figure 10, a top-view schematic of elevator 118 is shown with slips 134 activated into the engaged position and securing joint of conductor pipe 102 within the inner profile of segmented ring elevator 118. As such, elevator may be used to raise and lower the joint of conductor pipe 102 in the vertical position, the horizontal position, and all positions in-between.

100431 Advantageously, embodiments disclosed herein allow an elevator to engage and lift a (e.g., horizontally laying) joint of conductor pipe without requiring the elevator to be slid over a free end of the joint of conductor pipe. Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein depict a method by which joints of conductor pipe may be assembled and thrust into the weilbore without the need for welded and/or bolted lifting eyes to be installed and removed from each joint of conductor pipe. Pursuant thereto, embodiments disclosed herein reduce likelihood that individual joints of conductor pipe may become damaged during assembly and installation processes.

Advantageously still, embodiments disclosed herein allow cylindrical joints of conductor pipe having no lifting features, e.g., upsets on the outer diameter of the pipe) to be lifted from a non-vertical position in a pipe rack or another rig location.

grasped by a lifting elevator, rotated into a vertical position, and installed atop a string of conductor pipe.

The present application is a divisional application of GB 1200066.7, which was originally tiled as PCT/TJS2O1O/039450. The original claims of GB1200066.7 are included as numbered statements below in order to preserve this subject matter in the present application.

Statement 1. A method to add a joint of pipe to a conductor string, the method comprising: securing the conductor string with a spider; grasping an upper end of the joint of pipe with a segmented-ring elevator; engaging a plurality of slips of the elevator with an outer profile of the joint of pipe; raising the grasped joint of pipe from non-vertical to vertical; positioning the vertical joint of pipe atop the secured conductor string; attaching the joint of pipe to the conductor string; releasing the conductor string from the spider; and retaining the joint of pipe and the conductor string with the segmented-ring elevator.

Statement 2. The method of statement 1, wherein the joint of pipe to be added to the conductor string comprises a substantially tubular outer profile having no shoulder or lifting profile.

Statement). The method of statement 1, further comprising lifting the joint of pipe with a horizontal lifting assembly.

Statement 4. The method of statement 1, wherein the grasping of the upper end of the joint of pipe comprises: opening at least one segment of the segmented-ring elevator; and closing the at least one segment of the segmented-ring elevator about the upper end of the joint of pipe.

Statement 5. The method of statement 1, wherein the joint of pipe is in a non-vertical position when grasped by the segmented-ring clcvator.

Statement 6. The method of statement 1, further comprising disposing the lengthened conductor string into a sea floor.

Statement 7. The method of statement 1, further comprising: engaging the conductor string further into a welibore; gripping the conductor string with the spider; and adding a second joint of pipe to the conductor string.

StatementS. The method of statement 1, wherein the plurality of slips comprises one or two die columns.

Statement 9. A lifting elevator, comprising:

a first elevator segment; a second elevator segment; at Least one pivot about which at least one of the elevator segment of the lifting elevator may rotate with respect to each other; a latch connecting the first elevator segment to the second elevator segment; and a plurality of slips to engage a conductor string surrounded by the first and second elevator segments.

Statcmcnt 10. The lifting elevator of statement 9, wherein the first elevator segment and the second elevator segment are connected together by a first pivot.

Statement 11. The lifting elevator of statcment 9, ftirther comprising: a third elevator segment; wherein the third elevator segment arid the second elevator segment are connected through a first pivot and the third elevator segment and the first elevator segment are connected through a second pivot.

Statement 12. The lifting elevator of statement 9, further comprising at least one lifting lug configured to allow the lifting elevator to be raised, lowered, and tilted.

Statement 13. An apparatus to lift non-vertical pipe sections, the apparatus comprising: a first lifting ring connected to a lifting point through a first lifting line; a second lifting ring connected to the lifting point through a second lifting line; and an inner profile of the first and second lifting rings configured to receive and secure a joint of horizontal pipe.

Statement 14. The apparatus of statement 13, wherein at least one of the first and the second lifting rings is segmented such that the segments of the ring are configured to be thrust closed as tension is applied to the lifting point.

Statement 15. The apparatus of statement 13, wherein the first and the second lifting rings are configured to bite the joint of horizontal pipe as they are tilted with respect to an axis of the horizontal pipc by the first and the second lifting lines.

Statement 16. A method to install a joint of conductor pipe to a conductor string, the method comprising: raising the joint of conductor pipe from a non-vertical position with a lifting apparatus; engaging a segmented ring elevator about the raised non-vertical joint of conductor pipe; closing the segmented ring elevator about the raised non-vertical joint of conductor pipe; activating at least one powered slip of the segmented ring elevator to grip the joint of conductor pipe; raising thc segmented ring elevator until the joint of conductor pipe is in a vertical position; positioning the joint of conductor pipe atop the conductor string; and connecting the joint of conductor pipe to the conductor string.

Statement 17. The method of statement 16, wherein the lifting apparatus comprises: a first lifting ring connected to a lifting point through a first lifting line; a second lifting ring connected to the lifting point through a second lifting line; and an inner profile of the first and second lifting rings configured to receive and secure thc joint conductor pipe in the horizontal position.

Statement 18. The method of statement 1 6, further comprising supporting the joint of conductor pipe with the segmented ring elevator solely with slips engaged into an outer tubular profile of the joint of conductor pipe.

[00441 While the disclosure has been presented with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should bc limited only by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAiMS: 1. A lifting elevator, comprising: a first elevator segment; a second elevator segment; at least one pivot about which at least one of the elevator segment of the lifting elevator may rotate with respect to each other; a latch connecting the first elevator segment to the second elevator segment; a plurality of slips to engage a conductor string surrounded by the first and second elevator segments; and a powered actuator coupled to the first elevator segment and the second elevator segment, wherein the first elevator segment and the second elevator segment are moveable between an open position and a closed position by the powered actuator.
2. [he lifting elevator of claim 1, wherein the first elevator segment and the second elevator segment are connected together by a first pivot.
3. The lifting elevator of claim 1, ifirther comprising: a third elevator segment; wherein the third elevator segment and the second elevator segment are connected through a first pivot and the third elevator segment and the first elevator segment are connected through a second pivot,
4. The lifting elevator of claim 1, further comprising at least one lifting lug configured to allow the lifting elevator to be raised, lowered, and tilted.
5. The lifting elevator of claim 1, wherein the first elevator segment comprises a first tapered surface that the first plurality of slips are movably disposed along, and wherein the second elevator segment comprises a second tapered surface that the second plurality of slips arc movably disposed along.
6. A lifting elevator substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in Figures ito 10.