GB2607310A

GB2607310A - A removal apparatus for the removal of a well pipe from a well and a method for the operation of a well pipe removal apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2607310A
Application number: GB2107855.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Birkeland Roy; Inge Ronsberg Per; Nilsen Nicolai
Original assignee: Mhwirth AS
Current assignee: Mhwirth AS
Priority date: 2021-06-02
Filing date: 2021-06-02
Publication date: 2022-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-02
Also published as: GB2607310B; NO20220531A1; GB202107855D0

Abstract

A well pipe removal apparatus 100 comprising, a work platform 110 for disassembly operations and for positioning on an offshore platform, a jack 300 comprising a stationary gripping module 330 and a movable gripping module 310. It comprises a cutting module (120 – fig.1) and handling module (200 – fig.1) to dismantle and move a casing. Components may be mountable and removable. The jack may be mounted below the work platform.

Description

A removal apparatus for the removal of a well pipe from a well and a method for the operation of a well pipe removal apparatus

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a well pipe removal apparatus for the removal of a well pipe from a well and a method for the operation of a well pipe removal apparatus.

Background art

Plug and abandonment (P&A) or decommissioning of wells commonly requires removal of well pipes, such as tubing, from the well. This usually requires a drilling rig or a derrick equipment set (DES). Drilling rigs and DES are commonly known in the field but their usage may comprise several difficulties. As many fixed platforms have drilling rigs that have been out of service or disassembled and removed, it may be time-and cost consuming to get these in operable condition for well pipe removal or other operations relating to P&A or decommissioning. Additionally, the transport to an installation for a partial P&A or decommissioning job may be complicated.

As the need for decommissioning and P&A of petroleum wells is expected to increase in the future, there is a need for efficient equipment and methods for such operations.

Summary

It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above mentioned 20 problem.

According to a first aspect there is provided a well pipe removal apparatus for the removal of a well pipe from a well, comprising: a work platform for performing a well pipe disassembly operation thereon; a platform module arrangement comprising: a cutting module for removing a section of well pipe from a well pipe string; a handling module for gripping and moving a section of tubing; wherein each of the modules of the platform module arrangement are mountable on and removable from the work platform; and a tubing jack in communication with the work platform, the well pipe jack comprising a stationary gripping module and a movable gripping module.

The provided apparatus addresses all of the mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and provides a flexible solution to safely and efficiently remove well pipe.

According to some embodiments, the well pipe jack is positionable below the work platform, to permit the well pipe jack to provide a well pipe string on the work platform.

According to some embodiments, the work platform comprises an aperture.

Hereby, the well pipe string is provided on the work platform by moving it through the aperture. The number of moving parts above the work platform is reduced, increasing the safety for working personnel. Also, this setup enables to work even level to the work platform, e.g. facilitating processes.

According to some embodiments, the stationary gripping module is connected to the moveable gripping module via at least one piston and cylinder assembly.

The at least one piston and cylinder assembly reliably provide enough force to move the moveable gripping module and the gripped well pipe.

According to some embodiments, the stationary gripping module comprises a guide profile, the movable gripping module comprises a guide profile, and the guide profiles interlock to provide guided movement of the moveable part relative to the stationary part.

The guide profile may facilitate the movement of the gripped well pipe by preventing any bending forces on the gripped well pipe as the gripped well pipe is only moved in one dimension.

According to some embodiments, the stationary gripping module and the movable gripping module are coupled together in use, and are able to be decoupled so as to disassemble the well pipe jack.

According to some embodiments, the stationary gripping module and the moveable gripping module each comprise a hydraulic slip member and an interchangeable bushing located between the module and the hydraulic slip member.

According to some embodiments, the work platform is located and mounted on a deck of an offshore platform, the platform module arrangement is mounted on the work platform, and the well pipe jack is located below the deck and coupled to the offshore platform.

According to some embodiments, the platform module arrangement is dismountable from the work platform, the work platform is dismountable from the deck and the well pipe jack is decouplable from the offshore platform to permit relocation of the apparatus on the offshore platform.

Enabling to dismount the well pipe removal apparatus due to its modular design may greatly enhances its field of application. Being able to install the well pipe removal apparatus at another location without undue burdens greatly facilitates the usage of the well pipe removal apparatus and may make the installation of a well pipe removal apparatus the preferred choice over reactivating older installation gear or moving other more complicated to handle well pipe removal gears there.

According to some embodiments, the dismantling module has a parking position and an operational position and is capable of movement between the parking position and the operational position.

According to some embodiments, the dismantling module is capable of translational movement relative to the work platform.

According to some embodiments, the dismantling module is mounted on a track on the work platform.

According to some embodiments, the dismantling module comprises a gripping and dismantling arrangement for gripping and subsequently dismantling a section of well pipe.

According to some embodiments, the dismantling module is mounted on the work platform adjacent the aperture.

According to some embodiments, the dismantling module at least partially circumscribes the aperture.

According to some embodiments, the dismantling module comprises a detachment tool.

According to some embodiments, the dismantling module comprises a cutting tool, i.e. any of a shear, a saw, pliers or a tong.

Being able to move the dismantling module enables to clear the vicinity of the well pipe from any operating modules enhancing safety for operation personnel. Utilizing the modular setup of the well pipe removal apparatus, the well pipe removal apparatus may comprise the needed modules for its task. The well pipe removal apparatus may comprise a dismantling module to cut well pipe or may comprise a detachment tool to remove any connectors connecting the different well pipe section of the well pipe. Alternatively or additionally, the well pipe removal apparatus may comprise both a detachment tool and a cutting tool, which may be especially advantageous if the well pipe removal apparatus utilizes a pulling string to lift the well pipe. E.g. in this case, both a detachment tool and a cutting tool may be used to unscrew the pulling string and to cut the well pipe.

According to some embodiments, the handling module comprises a slew column, at least one lower arm, at least one upper arm, at least one winch and a gripper.

According to some embodiments, the handling module comprises a guiding funnel to ensure that the gripper is correctly positioned on the section of well pipe.

According to some embodiments, the handling module comprises a gripper arrest device to secure the gripper in a fixed position when the handling module is moved around or when the handling module is on hold.

A handling module with the described features may facilitate the handling of any well pipe as it enables movement in all relevant axis, facilitates gripping of the well pipe by positioning and aligning the gripper over the well pipe and increases safety as it prohibits tilting motion of the gripper when moving the well pipe from one place to another.

According to some embodiments, the platform module arrangement comprises: a hydraulic power unit a cathead at least one waste basket a control cabin for operating and/or supervising the operation of the well pipe removal apparatus.

Preferably, the well pipe removal apparatus comprises a hydraulic power unit and a cathead to provide the necessary force for the actuating modules. Additionally, the well pipe removal apparatus may comprise at least one waste basket to store the removed well pipe and may comprise a control cabin to enable an operator to directly observe and supervise the removal process or may comprise supervisory means, e.g. cameras, to enable the operator to remotely control the removal process.

S

According to some preferred embodiments, the well pipe removal apparatus is designed for removing unbendable well pipe. According to more preferred embodiments, the well pipe removal apparatus is designed for removing production pipes.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method for the operation of a well pipe removal apparatus, comprising: providing and installing a work platform on an offshore structure; mounting a platform module arrangement on the work platform and a well pipe jack below the work platform; engaging a section of well pipe with the well pipe jack and moving the well pipe using the well pipe jack from an offshore location to the work platform; gripping and cutting a section of well pipe string with the platform module arrangement; dismounting the platform module arrangement and the well pipe jack from the work platform.

According to some embodiments, the method comprises uninstalling the work platform from the offshore structure.

According to some embodiments, the method comprises installing the work platform at a first location on the offshore structure, and subsequently uninstalling the work platform from the first location on the offshore structure, and reinstalling the work platform at a second location on the offshore structure.

According to some embodiments, the method comprises mounting the platform module arrangement on the work platform and the well pipe jack below the work platform when the work platform is installed at the second offshore location.

Utilizing the modular layout of the well pipe removal apparatus, the well pipe removal apparatus may be moved and installed easily at various locations and may be adapted to any needed function at the respective location providing these advantages over the prior art.

According to some embodiments, the method comprises: grabbing a pulling string with the platform module arrangement; lowering the pulling string with the well pipe jack; directly connecting the pulling string to the well pipe string; moving the connected pulling string and well pipe string and dissembling the pulling string with the platform module arrangement.

According to some embodiments, the method comprises grabbing one other pulling string and mounting the other pulling string on the lowered pulling string creating a longer pulling string and subsequently lowering the pulling string with the well pipe jack According to some embodiments, the method comprises repeating grabbing one other pulling string and mounting the other pulling string on the lowered pulling string and lowering the pulling string with the well pipe jack until the pulling string is long enough to reach the well pipe string with the pulling string.

The disclosed apparatus and method enable to remove well pipe being located below the well pipe removal apparatus. Building a pulling string as disclosed and connecting the pulling string to the well pipe string to extend the well pipe string as disclosed enables the well pipe removal apparatus to remove the well pipe string. Hereby the modular design enables to choose the modules necessary for assembling the pulling string, more advantageously, the modules may be used for both assembling the pulling string and removing both the pulling string and the well pipe string.

According to some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: gripping the well pipe with a first gripping means; releasing the well pipe with the second gripping means; moving the first gripping means relatively to a second gripping means; gripping the well pipe with the second gripping means; releasing the well pipe with the first gripping means; moving the first gripping means relatively to the second gripping means in the opposite direction in relation to the first movement; repeating the provided steps until the well pipe has been moved by a desired amount.

As disclosed, the well pipe removal apparatus comprises a well pipe jack, which may advantageously carry out the provided method steps to lift the well pipe. By gradually, i.e. step-by-step, moving the well pipe, the well pipe may be moved by a desired amount and the actuators are not put under constant stress but only when the gripping means are moved.

Effects and features of the second aspect are to a large extent analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second aspect.

As will be clear from the disclosure, the apparatus not only addresses the disadvantages of the prior art but also allows easy access for operation and maintenance and allows handling of waste material, i.e. cut well pipe.

Additionally, the disclosed apparatus may minimize the effect on simultaneous operations and may reduce the total weight on the hatch deck or drill floor by its compact design.

Furthermore, the disclosed apparatus does not need any welding connections for structural interconnections and does not need any scaffolding for hook up greatly increasing the flexibility and rapidity of deployment.

Also, the disclosed apparatus does not need high scaffolding, drilling rigs, cranes or the like and reduces work in height possibly reducing risk for injury.

The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

Hence, it is to be understood that the herein disclosed disclosure is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described since such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context explicitly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

Brief descriptions of the drawings

The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

For illustration, the example embodiments will be described in relation to an application for removing tubing, such as production tubing, from a well. However, it is to be understood that the examples may be equally suited for removing other types of well pipe, such as casings or liners, if relevant.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a tubing removal apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of an example of a dismantling module. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an example of a handling module.

Figures 4-5 show schematic side views of the handling module of Figure 3.

Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional side view of an example of a movable gripping module of the tubing jack.

Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional side view of an example of a stationary gripping module of the tubing jack.

Figures 8-9 show the operation of an example of a tubing jack according to the invention.

Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment where a work platform is arranged on a hatch deck.

Detailed description

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

Figure 1 shows a first aspect of this disclosure, a tubing removal apparatus 100 for the removal of a tubing string from a well, comprising a work platform 110 for receiving at least part of a tubing string, e.g. a tubing of said tubing string, thereon. The tubing removal apparatus 100 comprises a platform module arrangement, wherein each of the modules of the platform module arrangement (as will be described in more detail in the coming paragraphs) are mountable and removable from the work platform, thereby facilitating the assembly of the tubing removal apparatus 100 at a desired location, and may further enable the exchange or addition of modules to permit adaptation of the tubing removal apparatus 100 for a desired task. For example, the modules may be moved by a crane, which is already installed on the installation site, or by a crane located on the vessel which is providing the modules, facilitating the assembly by utilizing gear, which is present at the installation site.

Here, the work platform 110 is rectangular in shape, as is illustrated in Figure 1. However, other shapes of work platform may also be possible, for example a square, oval or polygonal shape (e.g. pentagon, hexagon, etc.), or a composite shape of multiple squares, rectangles, or the like, such as an L-shape or a T-shape. The work platform 110 is planar in shape, according to this example, meaning that the dimensions of the width and length of the work platform 110 are substantially greater than the thickness thereof. The work platform 110 comprises an upper side, visible in Figure land on which a module may be mounted, and a underside, not visible in Figure 1, which may be used to fix the work platform 110 in place, for example on a deck 101 (such as a hatch deck or drill floor) of an offshore platform. The underside may comprise a fixing profile, for the purpose of fixing the work platform 110 in place in a desired location.

The platform module arrangement comprises a dismantling module 120 for removing a section of tubing from a tubing string (not shown) and a handling module 200 for gripping and moving a section of tubing. The handling module 200 may be used to move a section of tubing after it has been dismantled from the tubing string by the dismantling module 120. In some examples, the handling module may also be used to move a pulling string 141 or other tool or module that is located on the work platform. For example, the handling tool 200 may be used to move a module or component into a desired position for use. As will be described in more detail in the following paragraphs, the handling tool may comprise a manipulation device or mechanism that permits it to hold, grip, lift and move (e.g. turn or move translationally) and object. In the case of the pulling string 141 (which is provided in a plurality of separate parts, as illustrated in Figure 1), the handling tool 200 may be used to assemble, or at least to assist with the assembly of, the parts of the pulling string 141, for example by bringing each part of the pulling string 141 into a desired position for use, and/or by permitting a part of the pulling string 141 to be suspended in a desired location. The platform module arrangement may comprise at least one container 190a,b which may function as a waste basket or a temporary holding location to store a dismantled section of tubing, e.g. by moving the dismantled section of tubing into the at least one waste basket 190a,b. For example, the handling tool 200 may be used to lift and deposit a section of tubing taken from a tubing string into a container 190a,b. The section of tubing may then be stored in the container for as long as is required, which may be the length of time taken for a dismantling operation.

The tubing removal apparatus 100 additionally comprises a tubing jack 300, which will be described in detail in relation to Figs. 6-9, which is configurable to provide a tubing string at (e.g. in the vicinity of, or on top of, or through) the work platform 110.

The work platform 110 comprises an aperture 111, for example in the form of a "false rotary", to permit the tubing string to be provided therethrough and upon the work platform 110 by the tubing jack 300. Here, use of a aperture may enable a user to secure the tubing string on the work platform to perform work thereon. In this example, the aperture 111 is located generally towards the center of the work platform 110, which in this case is rectangular, meaning the aperture 111 is located at or towards a midpoint of the width and length of the work platform 110. The aperture extends completely through the thickness of the work platform 110, such that the aperture is a vertical through-channel or through-bore in

this example.

The platform module arrangement may comprise any of a hydraulic power unit 380 to power any hydraulic systems, a cathead 390 to provide pulling force or a control cabin 400 for operating and/or supervising the operation of the tubing removal apparatus 100. In this example, the hydraulic power unit 380 is mounted adjacent the work platform 110, and may be affixed or secured thereto. In other examples, it may be possible to mount the hydraulic power unit 380 on the work platform 110 itself. Optionally, the supply of hydraulic, electric or other power may be provided from a platform or rig system, separate from the platform module arrangement. As illustrated in Figure 1, the control cabin 400 partially overlaps with the work platform 110, and may be mounted on or secured to the work platform 110. In other examples, the control cabin 400 may be fully positioned on the work platform 110, or may be positioned separately from the work platform 110. The control cabin 400 may be raised e.g. raised using a separate platform, legs etc. such that the underside of the control cabin 400 is positioned higher than the work platform 110, thereby permitting the control cabin 400 to overlap a section of the work platform 110. The control cabin 400 may provide the ability for a user to view the activity on the work platform, while offering safety in the form of a physical shield from the activities on the work platform 110. Alternatively, the platform module arrangement may be remotely controlled from elsewhere.

The platform module arrangement may comprise a tool storage module 140. The tool storage module 140 may store tools for the operation of the tubing removal apparatus, e.g. spare parts, interchangeable parts as such as additional cutting tools, gripping tools having a range of varying diameters, etc. The tool storage module 140 may comprise a module specifically designed to receive one type of tool, for example a tool needed to provide and/or disassemble a tubing string. The tool storage module 140 may comprise a fingerboard for storage of a pulling string 141 for retrieving a tubing string as illustrated in Figure 1. The pulling string 141 may be stored in the form of a plurality of connectable parts. The plurality of connectable parts may be long cylindrical sections that are able to be connected together to reach and subsequently attach to a tubing string. The tubing string may subsequently be pulled to the work platform 110, where an operation may then be performed on the tubing string. Here, the tool storage module 140 for the pulling string 141 is in the form of a rectangular array of receiving cups, which assists to hold each of the plurality of connectable parts of the pulling string 141 in a vertically oriented position (e.g. the longitudinal axis of each part is vertically oriented). In this case, the orientation of each of the plurality of connectable parts facilitates their engagement with the handling tool 200 which may grip each part of the pulling string 141. The corresponding method of use of the pulling string 141 in the storage module 140 will be disclosed in the following paragraphs.

The location of the tool storage module 140 may be adjacent to the handling tool 200, which may permit ease of access of a tool stored in the tool storage module 140 for use by or in combination with the handling tool 200. In this example, both the handling tool 200 and the storage module 140 are located along one outer edge of the work platform 110. Having each located along an outer edge of the work platform 110 may ensure that the storage module 140 is located near (e.g. adjacent, in the vicinity of) the handling tool 200 and also that the handling tool is well positioned to deposit an object at a location away from the work platform, such as in a waste container). The tool storage module 140 is located directly adjacent the handling tool 200 (e.g. no other tools or modules may be located in the space between the storage module 140 and the handling tool 200. Similarly, for ease of access by the handling tool 200, the aperture 111 may be located adjacent to the handling tool 200 (e.g. directly adjacent the handling tool 200). Both the aperture 111 and the tool storage module may be located within reach of the handling tool 200 (e.g. within reach of a manipulation mechanism on the handling tool 200).

In Figure 1 the dismantling tool 120, which is described in further detail in relation to Figure 2, is centrally located on the work platform 110. The dismantling tool may be moveable on a set of rails, which may form a track, and permit translational movement of the dismantling tool 120. The positioning of the dismantling tool 120 may be dependent on the location of the aperture 111 on the work platform 110. The dismantling tool may be positioned such that it is able to be moved so as to be located directly above the aperture 111, thereby permitting the dismantling tool 120 to dismantle a tubing string protruding therefrom.

The dismantling tool 120 may additionally be able to be moved to a position located away from the aperture 111 (e.g. such that it is not located above, e.g. directly above, the aperture 111).

Figure 2 shows a top view of the dismantling module 120.1n this example and as previously illustrated, the dismantling module 120 is mounted on the work platform 110 adjacent the aperture 111, facilitating the dismantling process. Shown in Figure 2 is a section of the work platform 110, the full work platform 110 being visible in Figure 1.

The dismantling module 120 may be capable of movement relative to the work platform 110. The dismantling module 120 may have a parking position, wherein the dismantling module 120 is located away from the aperture 111 (e.g. where the dismantling module 120 is not located directly above the aperture 111) so as to permit a tubing string or tool to extend through the aperture 111 without being obstructed by the dismantling module 120, and an operational position, wherein the dismantling module 120 is located at the aperture 111 (e.g. directly above the aperture) thereby permitting the dismantling module 120 to dismantle the tubing string being provided through the aperture 111, or to dismantle a tool such as the pulling string 141 as previously described. The dismantling module 120 may be capable of translational movement relative to the work platform 110 to move between the operational position and the parking position. In one example, the dismantling module 120 is mounted on a track 123 to permit translational movement thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the dismantling module 120 may be able to perform a rotational movement or any non-linear movement between these positions -for example, the track 123 may have a curved shape or comprise a bend therein, which may be useful in cases where the space available on the work platform 110 is minimal. Shown in Figure 2, the dismantling module 120 is in the parking position. Moving the dismantling module 120 to the aperture 111 on the left (as shown in the orientation of Figure 2) will move the dismantling module 120 into the operational position, at which point the dismantling module 120 will be located directly adjacent and/or above the aperture 111. To ensure accurate positioning of the dismantling module 120, the track 123 may extend on, and optionally past, either side of the aperture 111, so as to permit the dismantling module 120 to be positioned above the aperture 111. The dismantling module 120 may comprise a throughbore 127, which may be used to position a tubing string or a tool (such as a pulling string 141) therein. The throughbore 127 may be completely circumscribed by the dismantling module 120, or may be partially circumscribed by the dismantling module 120, as is the case in this example.

The dismantling module 120 may be positioned such that the centre of the throughbore 127 is aligned with the aperture 111. The dismantling module 120 may at least partially circumscribe a tubing string or pulling string 141 protruding from the aperture in the direction of the dismantling tool. Having the dismantling module 120 at least partially circumscribe a tubing string or pulling string 141 may facilitate the dismantling process by permitting the dismantling module 120 to have a large contact surface with a tubing string or with a tool (e.g. a pulling string 141). The dismantling module 120 may then, for example, be able to grip, grind, cut, or the like, into the tubing string or tool with which there is engagement. In some examples, the dismantling module 120 may be able to manipulate a tool or tubing string therein so as to rotate the tubing string or tool.

The dismantling module 120, the track 123 or the work platform 110 may preferably comprise at least one locking arrangement 125a,b to lock the dismantling module 120 in any of the positions, preventing the movement of the dismantling module 120 relative to the work platform 110. The locking arrangement 125a,b may utilize brakes, clamps, bollards, retractable retaining pins or any other mechanism to lock the relative movement of the dismantling module 120 relative to the work platform 110. The at least one locking arrangement 125a,b may be located on the track 123, may be located on the dismantling module 120 itself, or may be located partially on the dismantling module 120 and may be partially located on the track 123.

The dismantling module 120 may comprise a cutting tool 115 and a gripping tool, for example, the cutting tool 115 may be designed for cutting a tubing string and the gripping tool designed for gripping the tubing string so as to hold the tubing string in place while the cutting tool 115 performs a cutting operation. In some examples, the gripping tool may comprise a roller, or be in the form of a roller. Such a roller may be used to rotate a cylinder around its axis, and may optionally grip the cylinder (e.g. a tubing string, pulling string 141 or other tool). In another example, the roller may be used to rotate a tubing string, a pulling string 141 or another tool for dismantling the tubing string of another form, e.g. elliptical or having edges. In yet another example, the gripping tool may comprise a robotic arm, a tweezer or a another tool capable of gripping a tubing string, pulling string 141 or other tool of non-round shape. In this way, the dismantling module 120 may be used to rotate a tool, which may be useful in the case of dismantling a tool or tubing string that is connected by screwing means, as the dismantling tool may be used to assist in unscrewing a portion or section of tool or tubing string. In some examples, the dismantling tool 120 may be used to screw together a part of a tool or tubing string. For example, where a pulling string 141 is being deployed and is provided in a plurality of parts, the dismantling module 120 may be used to attach each of the parts of the pulling string 141, in cases where each of the plurality of parts is required to be screwed together. Alternatively, there may be no gripping tool but only a cutting tool 115 present. The gripping tool may be incorporated into the cutting tool 115, e.g. gripper tongs which are additionally able to provide a cutting functionality upon application of a high enough force.

The cutting tool 115 may e.g. be a shear, a saw, pliers or a tong.

The cutting tool 115 and the gripping tool may be located inside the dismantling module 120, for example inside a housing of the dismantling module 120. The cutting tool 115 and the gripping tool may be, for example, located around the periphery of the throughbore 127 for ease of access to a tubing string or tool in the throughbore 127. The gripping tool and the cutting tool 115 may be extendable and retractable from the housing and into the throughbore 127 for use, which may assist to prevent damage thereto when the tools are not being used.

In some examples, the tubing string may comprise multi-use connectors, which are openable/unlockable in some way, e.g buy turning or unscrewing. Therefore, the dismantling module 120 may comprise a gripping tool for gripping the tubing string, the connector or, preferably, both, and a detachment tool to open and remove any connectors connecting the elements of the tubing string, e.g. the tubing string comprising a number of tubing and a number of connectors, enabling to reuse the tubing and the connector. Depending on the type of connectors, the detachment tool may be designed for any of opening a clamp, unscrewing a screw, or unlocking any other locking mechanism. The detachment tool may therefore take the form of a roller (such as a motorised roller) having a profile designed to engage a surface, e.g. an outer surface, of a connector to facilitate turning thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the detachment tool may comprise a screwing/unscrewing tool, such as a motorised screwdriver, or a motorised wrench tool. After unlocking the locking mechanism, the connector may stay attached to the tubing and may be stored with the sections of the tubing string, e.g. the single tubing, or may be separated from the tubing string and may be stored separately from the sections of the tubing string. The handling module 200 may be designed for moving not only the sections of the tubing string but also the connectors, if the connectors are separated from the sections of the tubing string.

The diameter of the throughbore 127 may be able to be increased or narrowed in order to permit the cutting tool 115 and the gripping tool to grip and/or cut varying diameters of tool, tubing or tubing strings. This may also assist the dismantling module 120 to be positioned around a tubing string or tool that protrudes through the aperture 111 before the dismantling tool 120 has been repositioned to be directly above the aperture 111. The diameter of the throughbore 127 may be increased, for example, by opening the housing surrounding the throughbore 127 as in the form of pincers.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the handling module 200. The handling module 200 comprises a slew column 210, a lower arm 220, an upper arm 230, a gripper arrest compartment 240, a gripper 250 and at least one winch 260. The slew column 210 comprises a stationary part 211 and a rotating part 212. The stationary part 211 is connected to the work platform 110, e.g. by bolts, a welded connection, or the like. The rotating part 212 is connected to the lower arm 220 and the rotating part 212 is permitted to rotate with respect to the stationary part 211 around an axis extending from the stationary part 211 in the direction of the lower arm 220, which in the case of this example is a vertically oriented axis. A slew bearing, which may have an internal or external toothrack, may be used for transfer of forces between the stationary part 211 and the rotating part 212. The slew column 210 comprises an actuator, e.g. an electric actuator or a hydraulic actuator, to rotate the rotating part versus the stationary part. The actuator of the slew column is not visible in Figure 3. The actuator of the slew column may be located inside the slew column and may, for example require a gearing mechanism to rotate the rotating part 212.

The lower arm 220 is rotatably connected to the rotating part 212 by a coupling, and comprises an actuator 221, e.g. an electric or hydraulic actuator, which may permit the lower arm 220 to be rotated. The rotation of the lower arm may be around the axis of the coupling between the lower arm 220 and the rotating part 212 (e.g. the axis of rotation may be in line with the axis of the coupling), which in the example of Figure 3 is horizontally oriented. The upper arm 230 is rotatably connected to the lower arm 220 by a coupling and comprises an actuator 231, e.g. an electric or hydraulic actuator, to be rotated around a second axis, relative to the lower arm 220. The second axis of rotation may be in line with the axis of the coupling between the lower arm 220 and the upper arm 230. The gripper arrest compartment 240 may be rotatably connected to the upper arm 230 by a coupling and can comprise an actuator 241, e.g. an electric or hydraulic actuator, to be rotated around a third axis, relative to the upper arm 230. The third axis of rotation may be in line with the axis of the coupling between the upper arm 230 and the gripper arrest compartment 240. The handling module additionally comprises a gripper 250, the gripper 250 being connected to a winch 260 by a cable 261. The winch 260 utilises propulsion means, e.g. an electric motor or the cathead 390 of the platform module arrangement, to move the cable 261 and the gripper 250. The cable may be guided by guide pulleys 262 as can be seen in Figure 3 to guide the cable 261 and prevent undue friction or bending. The cable 261 passes through the gripper arrest compartment 240 to permit its connection to the gripper 250. Thereby, the gripper 250 may be moved upwards into the gripper arrest compartment 240 when tensioning the cable 261. Preferably, the gripper arrest compartment 240 is kept level/parallel to the ground by utilising the actuator 241 for rotating the gripper arrest compartment 240. Thereby, the gripper 250 in the gripper arrest compartment 240 is locked in position, for example in an upright position as will be shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5 which may assist to position the gripper 250 for gripping an object. Utilizing the various actuators, the handling module 200 and the gripper 250 may be moved in all three dimensions allowing to reach any desired point on the work platform 110.

Figures 4 and 5 show the handling module 200 from Figure 3 in a schematic cross-sectional view. The same features are present and indicated with their respective number. As can be seen from the cross-sectional view, the gripper arrest compartment 240 comprises a recess 242 (in this example on its lower end) for receiving the gripper 250.1n Figure 5, the cable 261 is tensioned and the gripper 250 is moved inside the recess 242 of the gripper arrest compartment 240.

When the handling module 200 is not required for use, e.g. because another step of the tubing removal operation is being carried out, e.g. the tubing string is lifted by the tubing jack 300 (described in more detail in relation to Figures 6 to 9, or because the tubing removal apparatus 100 is not presently operating, the cable 261 may be tensioned and the gripper 250 may be moved into the gripper arrest compartment 240 to prevent any undesired movement (e.g. swinging) of the gripper 250, thereby increasing the work safety on the work platform 110. Additionally, the gripper 250 comprises a gripping mechanism to grip a tubing 280. The gripping mechanism (not shown in the Figures) may comprise electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to drive the gripping mechanism. The gripping mechanism may be or comprise a mandible e.g. gripper tongs as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, may be or comprise a suction device, may be or comprise a magnetic gripper feature, or any other appropriate gripping device.

The gripper 250 may comprise a guiding funnel 252 which may assist to guide the tubing 280 into the gripper 250 e.g. into the centre of the gripper 250, when moving the gripper 250 onto the tubing 280 to subsequently grip the tubing 280. The guiding funnel 252 may not only facilitate movement of the gripper 250 onto the tubing 280 but also ensure that the gripper 250 is positioned correctly above/around the tubing 280, i.e. in this embodiment, that the gripper arms may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubing 280, thereby ensuring that the tubing 280 is gripped correctly and reducing a risk of dropping the tubing 280 due to false gripping or dealing damage to the tubing 280.

Figure 6 shows a movable gripping module 310 of the tubing jack 300. The movable gripping module 310 comprises a cylinder and comprises a throughbore 311. The movable gripping module 310 may comprise a first guide profile 319. The first guide profile 319 is configured to interlock with a counterpart, a second guide profile 339 comprised by the stationary gripping module 330 as described in Figure 7. The movable gripping module 310 comprises at least one actuator connector arrangement 312a,b to connect the at least one actuator, configured to move the movable gripping module 310 relative to the stationary gripping module 330 of Figure 7. Further referring to Figure 6, the at least one actuator connector arrangement 312a,b may comprise at least one connector 313a,b, e.g. a clamp, a screw, reception means for a bolt or any other fastening means which may vary depending on the actuator or the chosen connection type. In this embodiment, the connectors 313a,b are recesses designed to receive bolts being secured to the respective actuators. The movable gripping module 310 may comprise a load carrying structure or structures 314 to transfer a force from the actuators of the connector arrangement 312a,b to the movable gripping module 310. The load carrying structures 314 may assist to provide the necessary structural integrity to the tubing jack 300 to prevent structural failure due to high forces applied thereto.

The movable gripping module 310 comprises an interchangeable bushing 315, which may be at least partially inserted into the movable gripping module 310. The movable gripping module 310 may comprise a receiving portion 317 to receive the interchangeable bushing 315 and may comprise securing means to secure the interchangeable bushing 315 to the movable gripping module 310, e.g. secured by friction/resistance, by bolting or welding, threaded connection, or the like. The interchangeable bushing 315 comprises an opening 316 designed to receive a slip member (not shown in this figure), wherein the slip member is designed to grip a tubing string; such slip members for (actively or passively) gripping or wedging a tubing or tubing string are widely known and will therefore not be described further. The slip member, the interchangeable bushing 315 or the movable gripping module 310 may be configurable to interlock the slip member to the movable gripping module 310 or the interchangeable bushing 315 e.g. by a snapfit arrangement, threaded connector, interlocking surface profiles, or the like. The slip member may be selected based upon the properties of the tubing string to be retrieved by the tubing removal apparatus 100, for example the size (e.g. diameter) of the slip member may be selected depending on the size (e.g. diameter) of the tubing string to be retrieved. The interchangeable bushing 315 comprises an opening 316 designed to receive at least one size (or range of sizes) or type of slip members. When a larger or smaller slip member is required to operate the tubing removal apparatus 100, a bushing 315 with a desired diameter of opening 316 may be exchanged and inserted into the movable gripping module 310, enabling the tubing removal apparatus 100 to be operable for a range of various tubing diameters.

Figure 7 shows a stationary gripping module 330 of the tubing jack 300. The stationary gripping module 330 comprises a cylinder and comprises a throughbore 331, in common with the moveable gripping module 310, even though they have different diameters in this example. The stationary gripping module 330 may comprise a second guide profile 339 which may be optionally connectable to the stationary gripping module 330 for the purpose of extending the length thereof to provide guided movement over the whole movement range of the actuators 350. The second guide profile 339 is designed to interlock with its counterpart, the first guide profile 319, of the moveable gripping module 310. The guide profiles 319,339 may comprise guiding features such as rails or funnel members and/or may comprise similar diameters to permit, in this example, the stationary gripping module 330 to fit inside the moveable gripping module 330 in order to permit movement only in the vertical direction of Figures 6 and 7, or at least restrict horizontal (or radial) movement of the stationary gripping module 310 inside the moveable gripping module 330. The stationary gripping module 330 comprises at least one actuator connector arrangement 332a,b to connect the at least one actuator, enabling movement of the movable gripping module 310 of Figure 6 relative to the stationary gripping module 330. Further referring to Figure 7, the at least one actuator connector arrangement 332a,b may comprise at least one connector 333a,b, e.g. a clamp, a screw, reception means for a bolt or any other fastening means depending on the actuator or the chosen connection type. In this embodiment, the connectors 333a,b are recesses configured to receive bolts being secured to the respective actuators. The stationary gripping module 330 may comprise load carrying structures 334 to transfer a force from the actuators of the connector arrangement 332a,b to the stationary gripping module 330. The load carrying structures 334 actuators may assist to provide the necessary structural integrity to the tubing jack 300 to prevent structural failure due to high forces applied thereto.

The stationary gripping module 330 comprises an interchangeable bushing 335, which may be at least partially inserted into the stationary gripping module 330. The stationary gripping module 330 may comprise a receiving portion 337 to receive the interchangeable bushing 335 and may comprise securing means to secure the interchangeable bushing 335 to the stationary gripping module 330 e.g. secured by friction/resistance, by bolting or welding, threaded connection, or the like. The interchangeable bushing 335 comprises an opening 336 designed to receive a slip member, wherein the slip member is designed to grip a tubing string; the slip member will be introduced in further detail in Figures 8-10. The slip member, the interchangeable bushing 335 or the stationary gripping module 330 may be configurable to interlock the slip member to the stationary gripping module 330 or the interchangeable bushing 335 e.g. by a snapfit arrangement, threaded connector, interlocking surface profiles, or the like. The slip member may be selected based upon the properties of the tubing string to be retrieved by the tubing removal apparatus 100, for example the size (e.g. diameter) of the slip member may be selected depending on the size (e.g. diameter) of the tubing string to be retrieved. The interchangeable bushing 335 comprises an opening 336 designed to receive at least one size (or range of sizes) or type of slip members. When a larger or smaller slip member is required to operate the tubing removal apparatus 100, a bushing 335 with a desired diameter of opening 336 may be exchanged and inserted into the stationary gripping module 330, enabling the tubing removal apparatus 100 to be operable for a range of various tubing diameters.

Figure 8 shows the assembled tubing jack 300 in a sectional view, the tubing jack 300 comprising the stationary gripping module 330 with its interchangeable bushing 335 and its slip member 340. The slip member 340 may comprise a holding mechanism 341 to permit connect to the interchangeable bushing 335, advantageously interlocking the slip member 340 to the interchangeable bushing 335. In this example, the holding mechanism 341 is illustrated as a protruding lip at an end of the slip member 340, although other holding mechanisms may be envisaged, such as an interlocking surface profile on each of the holding mechanism 341 and the slip member 340. The tubing jack 300 comprises the movable gripping module 310 with its interchangeable bushing 315 and its slip member 320. The slip member 320 may comprise a holding mechanism 321 to connect to the interchangeable bushing 315, advantageously interlocking the slip member 320 to the interchangeable bushing 315. The slip members 320,340 may be identical, or at least have an identical inner diameter for gripping a tubing string. The slip members 320,340 may be powered hydraulically. The slip members 320,340 may e.g. comprise hydraulic power slips. As can be seen in Figure 8, the slip members 320,340 comprise feed-through openings 322,342 to enable a tubing string to be moved through the slip members 320,340 and gripped thereby. The tubing jack 300 comprises at least one actuator 350a,b to move the movable gripping module 310 relative to the stationary gripping module 330. The at least one actuator 350a,b may connect the stationary gripping module 330 to the movable gripping module 310. The at least one actuator 350a,b may comprise at least one piston and cylinder assembly to move the movable gripping module 310 relative to the stationary gripping module 330. The at least one actuator 350a,b comprise a set of piston and cylinder assemblies (e.g. four piston and cylinder assemblies) connecting the movable gripping module 310 to the stationary gripping module 330. Alternatively, the at least one actuator 350a,b may comprise a rack and a motor or another actuating system known in the state of the art.

In this example, the at least one actuator 350a,b connects to the actuator connector arrangements 332a,b of the stationary gripping module 330 by connector mechanisms 352a,b.

In this example, the connector mechanisms 352a,b are bolts, which are screwed into the at least one actuator 350a,b going through the reception for the bolt 333a,b introduced in Figure 7 to connect the actuators 350a,b to the actuator connector arrangements 332a,b.

The at least one actuator 350a,b connects to the actuator connector arrangements 312a,b of the movable gripping module 310 by connector mechanisms 3512,b. In this example, the connector mechanisms 351a,b are bolts, which are screwed into the at least one actuator 350a,b going through the reception for the bolt 313a,b described in relation to Figure 6 to connect the actuators 350a,b to the actuator connector arrangements 312a,b.

The connection between the at least one actuator 350a,b and the actuator connector arrangements 312a,b,332a,b may be formed by other connector arrangements, some have already been mentioned in this disclosure, however, many more are known in the state of the art.

As can be seen from Figure 8, the through-bore 311 of the movable gripping module 310 is designed to receive the through-bore 331 of the stationary gripping module 330. The movable gripping module 310 may comprise a first guide profile 319 and the stationary gripping module 330 may comprise a second guide profile 339 (enumerated in Figure 7), wherein the guide profiles 319,339 interact to provide guided movement of the moveable gripping module 310 relative to the stationary gripping module 330 in a vertical direction. The guide profiles 319,339 may be elongated to have a sufficient length and overlap to provide guided movement over the whole movement range the actuators are capable of, i.e. the guide profiles provide guided movement not only in the retracted actuator status illustrated in Figure 8 but also when the actuators are extended as shown in Figure 9. Having a guided motion between the movable gripping module 310 and the stationary gripping module 330 facilitates the tubing removal process, reduces the chance of falsely gripping the tubing string and may prevent damage to the tubing string and/or bending forces on the tubing string as the pulling force will only be applied linearly. The stationary gripping module 330, the movable gripping module 310 or both may comprise guide shoes to secure a good fit and ensure a low friction movement. However, in another embodiment, there may be no guide profiles 319,339 present and the relative movement may not be guided by guide profiles 319,339 but may only be controlled by the movement of the actuators 350a,b.

The at least one actuator 350a,b may be positioned in a regular/symmetrical arrangement around the central axis of the movable gripping module 310 and the stationary gripping module 330. In some examples, there may be four actuators 350 positioned in a symmetrical arrangement connected to the movable gripping module 310 and the stationary gripping module 330 (e.g. a rotationally symmetrical arrangement around the central axis of the gripping modules 310, 330). The four actuators 350 may each comprise a piston and cylinder assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the stationary gripping module 330 and the movable gripping module 310 may be directly connected via the at least piston and cylinder assemblies. However, in another embodiment, the stationary gripping module 330 and the movable gripping module 310 may not be directly connected to each other by the actuators 350, but may comprise intermediate parts.

In Figure 8, the actuators 350 are in a retracted position, in Figure 9, the actuators 350 are in an extended position, moving the movable gripping module 310 away from the stationary gripping module 330. In the extended position, the first guide profile 319 of the stationary gripping module 330 remains interlocked with the second guide profile 339 of the movable gripping module 310 to provide a guided movement over the whole movement range of the actuators 350a,b.

The tubing jack 300 is designed to move a tubing or tubing string being provided at its lower end upwards and to move a tubing or tubing string being provided at its upper end downwards. The provided tubing or tubing string will move through the feed-through openings 322,342 of the slip members 320,340 enabling the slip members 320,340 to grip the tubing or tubing string. Both applications of the tubing jack 300 will be described, starting with the method of moving a tubing string being provided at the lower end of the tubing jack 300 upwards.

The tubing string may be provided through the feed-through opening 342 of the slip member 340 of the stationary gripping module 330 to the feed-through opening 322 of the slip member 320 of the movable gripping module 310 and be grippable by the slip member 320. To move the provided tubing string high enough in order to allow the slip member 320 to grip the tubing string, an auxiliary tubing lifting device may be used or the tubing string may be elongated by adding modules from the top as will be disclosed later.

Starting with the configuration shown in Figure 8, a tubing string is gripped by the slip member 320 of the movable gripping module 310. Next the actuators 350a,b move the movable gripping module 310 upwards relative to the stationary gripping module 330 thereby lifting the gripped tubing string, resulting in the extended position shown in Figure 9. After the lifting, the lower, stationary gripping module 330 grips the tubing string with its slip member 340 and the upper, movable gripping module 310 releases the tubing string by disengaging its slip member 320. Then, the movable gripping module 310 is moved back in the retracted position as illustrated in Figure 8, i.e. moving the movable gripping module 310 relative to the stationary gripping module 330 in the opposite direction in relation to the first movement with the at least one actuator 350a,b. These steps may be repeated until the tubing string has been lifted to a desired amount, e.g. has been lifted far enough onto the work platform 110.

After the first iteration, for any subsequent iteration, the slip member 340 of the stationary gripping module 330 may release the tubing string after it has been gripped by the movable gripping module 310 utilizing its slip member 320 to move the tubing string upwards. The person skilled in the art will understand that when moving the movable gripping module 310 relative to the stationary gripping module 330 only one of the slip members 320,340 may grip the tubing string to ensure functionality of the tubing jack 300. Both slip members 320,340 may grip the tubing string when the load is transferred from one slip member 320,340 to the other or when the tubing string shall be secured in place (e.g. only in this scenario may both slip members 320, 340 grip the tubing string). Advantageously, when transferring the load from one slip member 320,340 to the other, before disengaging one of the slip members 320,340, the actuators 350a,b may be retracted/extended by a short distance to ensure the load transfer from the upper/lower to the lower/upper slip member is completed in a smooth or gradual motion and not abruptly (e.g. in a stepwise motion) when the respective slip member disengages the tubing string.

In some cases, the tubing string is only a single tubing, which may be moved utilizing the same method. In other cases, the method may be used to move a pulling string 141 or another tool as described above.

In some cases, the tubing or tubing string, which is desired to be removed, is located below the tubing jack 300 without extending up to the level tubing jack. To move the tubing string upwards to proceed with the above-mentioned method for removing the tubing string, an auxiliary lifting apparatus may be used or the tubing string may be extended until it reaches the tubing jack 300. This operation may be completed by utilising the equipment that is comprised by the tubing removal apparatus 100. The handling module 200 may take a pulling string 141a from the tool storage module 140 and move the pulling string 141a to the aperture 111. Lowering the pulling string 141a with the handling module 200 enables the tubing jack 300 to grip the pulling string 141a. The pulling string 141a will be further lowered by the tubing jack 300 using method steps similar to those for lifting a tubing or tubing string (e.g. by gripping the pulling string 141a or another tool with the slip members 320, 340).

The tubing jack 300 grips the pulling string 141a in the expanded position of Figure 9 with the slip member 320 of the movable gripping module 310. Next, the actuators 350a,b are moving the movable gripping module 310 in the retracted position of Figure 8. The slip member 340 of the stationary gripping module 330 grips the pulling string 141a and subsequently, the slip member 320 of the movable gripping module 310 releases the pulling string 141a. The actuators 350a,b expand and move the movable gripping module 310 in the expanded position of Figure 9. As above, after the first iteration, for any subsequent iteration, the slip member 340 of the stationary gripping module 330 has to release the pulling string 141a after it has been gripped by the movable gripping module 310 utilizing its slip member 320 to enable the actuators 350a,b to move the pulling string 141a downwards. Advantageously, the tubing jack 300 lowers the pulling string 141a so far, that the upper end of the pulling string 141a is above the aperture 111 being accessible from the work platform allowing to access the pulling string 141a and to connect another pulling string 141b, which may be provided by the handling module 200, to the pulling string 141a being held by the tubing jack 300. Advantageously, the pulling strings 141a and 141b are connected with a reusable connector, allowing detachment and reuse the pulling strings 141a and 141b. After connecting the first 141a and the second pulling string 141b, the connected pulling strings 141a,b are lowered by the tubing jack 300 until the next pulling string 141c is connected, repeating these steps until the connected pulling strings 141a-c are long enough to reach the tubing string or tubing which is desired to be removed. Then the connected pulling strings 141a-c are directly connected to the tubing string or tubing which is desired to be removed and the tubing jack 300 may start to jack-up the connected pulling strings 141a-c and the tubing string which is desired to be removed utilizing the previously described method of moving a tubing string upwards. The tubing string and the connected pulling strings 141a-c are thereby moved upwards through the aperture 111 and are provided on the work platform 110, where the platform module arrangement is arranged, the platform module arrangement comprising e.g. the handling module 200 and the dismantling module 120.

Advantageously, when moving the tubing string upwards, the tubing string is dismantled utilizing the dismantling module 120. The dismantling module 120 may dismantle the connected pulling strings 141a-c, e.g. by cutting the connected pulling strings 141a-c into pieces or by disconnecting the separate pulling strings 141a,b,c by opening the reusable connectors. The dismantling module 120 may dismantle the tubing string by cutting the tubing string into pieces or by detaching any connectors that the tubing string may comprise. The handling module 200 may grip the top of the tubing string or pulling string 141 before the dismantling module 120 dismantles the uppermost part of the tubing string or pulling string from the rest of the tubing string or pulling string to facilitate moving of the dismantled uppermost part. The dismantled part may then be moved into the waste baskets 190a,b by the handling module 200 or may be stored in the tool storage module 140 for later reuse, e.g. if the dismantled part is a pulling string 141.

In some cases, there may be no pulling string 141 present and the method may be used to directly grip and move a tubing string. In other examples, the presented methods may be used to move a tubing string instead of a pulling string 141 downwards.

As will be clear to the reader, either the movable gripping module 310 or the stationary gripping module 330 may be fixed in relation to the work platform 110, and so the terms 'stationary' and 'movable' are only used for illustration here, and may be interchanged if item 310 is considered as the stationary module.

Advantageously, the tubing jack 300 is positionable below the work platform 110, to permit the tubing jack 300 to provide the tubing string on the work platform 110 through the aperture 111, without requiring any space on the work platform 110. Additionally, other modules located on the platform module arrangement may engage the provided tubing string at the level of the work platform 110 (or higher) without being obstructed by the tubing jack 300. This may reduce the overall height of the tubing removal apparatus 100, thereby increasing stability and reducing the need for work to be carried out at great heights (e.g. during assembly of the work platform 110), thereby facilitating setting up/assembling the tubing removal apparatus 100.

The tubing jack 300 may be connected to a fixed point, e.g. the top of a BOP, a Xmas tree, a rig's wellhead or a jacking support frame attached at the seabed, or attached to a section of an offshore platform (which may be subsurface, or located above the waterline) to allow the vertical forces to be transferred through the BOP and in to the wellhead or through the support frame in to the structural deck of an offshore platform.

The tubing jack 300 may in some examples be arranged on top of the work platform 110, which may facilitate the assembly of the tubing removal apparatus 100.

The tubing jack 300 may be a modular tubing jack, whereby the tubing jack 300 is removable from the work platform 110.

The modular design of the tubing removal apparatus 100 may facilitate setting up/constructing/assembling the tubing removal apparatus 100. The modules of the platform module arrangement may be selected depending on the specific requirements or task of the tubing removal apparatus 100 or on any other equipment which is present at the location, where the tubing removal apparatus 100 is deployed, e.g. some equipment may already be present or alternative equipment which is already there may be used. The tubing removal apparatus 100 may be transported in modules, which may facilitate the transport and the assembly. In some embodiments, installation may be simplified, for example in that no equipment needs to be installed at great heights, reducing the risk for injury and speeding up the assembly as no larger cranes or scaffoldings are required.

The tubing jack 300 may be disassembled by decoupling the stationary gripping module 330 and the movable gripping module 310 to allow separate transport of the stationary gripping module 330 and the movable gripping module 310. For use, they may subsequently be coupled together, e.g. by the actuators 350a,b or by other additional coupling mechanism.

The tubing removal apparatus 100 may be configured to be installable at a first location, to operate at the first location, to be disassembled from the first location, moved to a second location and reinstalled at a second location, permitting operation at various locations. The work platform 110 may be located and may be mounted on a deck 101 of an offshore platform, the platform module arrangement, or at least some modules thereof, may be mounted on the work platform 110, and the tubing jack 300 may be located below the deck and may be coupled to said offshore platform. The platform module arrangement may be dismountable from the work platform 110, the work platform 110 may be dismountable from the deck and the tubing jack 300 may be decouplable from the offshore platform to permit relocation of the tubing removal apparatus 100 on the offshore platform. The tubing removal apparatus 100 may be moved within one offshore platform to remove second or subsequent tubing strings or tubing accessible from a different location on the offshore platform, or may be moved to another offshore platform or to any other installation requiring tubing removal.

The tubing or tubing string which is desired to be removed may be a production pipe.

The tubing removal apparatus 100 may be operated by providing and installing a work platform 110 on an offshore structure, mounting a platform module arrangement on the work platform 110 and a tubing jack 300 below the work platform 110, engaging a section of tubing with the tubing jack 300 and moving the tubing or moving a tubing string comprising said tubing using the tubing jack 300 from an offshore location to the work platform 110, gripping and cutting a section of the tubing or tubing string with the platform module arrangement, dismounting the platform module arrangement and the tubing jack 300 from the work platform 110.

The work platform 110 may be uninstalled from the offshore structure to enable installation to another offshore structure, for example. The work platform 110 may be installed at a first location on an offshore structure and may subsequently be uninstalled from the first location on the offshore structure, and be reinstalled at a second location on the offshore structure to enable removal of several tubing strings or tubing on the same offshore structure. After the work platform 110 is reinstalled at a second location on the same offshore structure or on another offshore structure, the platform module arrangement may be remounted on the work platform 110 and the tubing jack 300 may be mounted below the work platform 110.

The platform module arrangement may comprise a control module, which enables automatic or semi-automatic usage of the tubing removal apparatus 100. The control module may comprise sensors to measure the lifting/lowering distance of the tubing or tubing string by the tubing jack 300, e.g. touch sensors, cameras, laser measurements or may count the number of movements by the actuators 350a,b to calculate the distance the tubing or tubing string has been moved. The control module comprises a processing unit to receive sensor input, to calculate and process the input from sensors and/or a human operator, and to control the modules of the platform module arrangement and the tubing jack 300.

The control module may dismantle the tubing or tubing string utilising the dismantling module 120 once the tubing or tubing string has been lifted far enough by the tubing jack 300. The control module may control the handling module 200 to move dismantled tubing or tubing string to the waste baskets 190a,b or to move pulling strings 141 from the tool storage module 140 to the tubing jack 300. The control module may control the handling module 200 to grip the tubing or tubing string prior to dismantling the tubing or tubing string with the dismantling tool 120 and may move reusable pulling strings 141 back to the tool storage module 140 after they have been used to lift the tubing or tubing string according to the disclosed method. The control module may give assistance to a human operator by giving him signals that some processes, e.g. the dismantling process, may be performed or by searching for signs of errors, high stress on modules and parts, or wearing of the equipment.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described herein, the work platform 110 may be arranged on a hatch deck of an offshore platform. This is illustrated in Fig. 10, where the deck 101 is a hatch deck having at least one opening 102. A hatch deck is also visible in Fig. 1, having a plurality of hatches, whereby the work platform 110 may be arranged in different positions according to the requirements in any given case. The hatch openings 102 may thus be larger than, for example, a rotary table opening of a drill floor.

The tubing jack 300 is in Fig. 10 fixed to a downward-facing surface, i.e. an underside, of the work platform 110 and extends into the hatch opening 102, while the work platform 110 is supported by the hatch deck.

Further modules may be arranged on an upward-facing surface, i.e. a top side, of the work platform 101, for example a dismantling module 120 and/or a handling module 200.

By providing the tubing jack 300 on an underside of the work platform 110 and other modules on a top side of the work platform 101, more flexibility may, for example, be achieved in that the tubing jack 300 does not interfere with the operation of the other modules, and the overall apparatus 100 can be made more compact.

The stationary gripping module 330 and movable gripping module 310 may be gripper tongs or other types of pipe grippers.

The person skilled in the art realises that the present disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the aspects and embodiments described herein and the appended claims. Additionally, variations to the disclosed aspects and embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

The following clauses set out further inventive aspects and embodiments according to the present disclosure: 1. A well pipe removal apparatus 100 for the removal of a well pipe from a well, comprising: a work platform 110 for performing a well pipe disassembly operation thereon, the work platform 110 configured for positioning on a deck 101 of an offshore platform; and a well pipe jack 300 configured to provide a well pipe string 280 at the work platform 100, the well pipe jack 300 comprising a stationary gripping module 330 and a movable gripping module 310.

2. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the well pipe jack 300 is fixed to the work platform 110.

3. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, the work platform 110 comprising a dismantling module 120 for removing a section of well pipe 280 from a well pipe string.

4. The apparatus according to the preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module 120 is mountable and removable from the work platform 110.

5. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, the work platform 110 comprising a handling module 200 for gripping and moving said section of well pipe 280.

6. The apparatus according to the preceding clause, wherein the handling module 200 is mountable and removable from the work platform 110.

7. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the well pipe jack 300 is mountable and removable from the work platform 110.

8. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the well pipe jack 300 is positionable below the work platform 100.

9. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the well pipe jack 300 is fixed to the work platform 110 at: (i) an upward-facing surface or top side thereof, or (ii) a downward-facing surface or underside thereof.

10. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the work platform 110 is arranged on a hatch deck of an offshore platform.

11. The apparatus according to the preceding clause, wherein the well pipe jack 300 is fixed to a downward-facing surface or underside of the work platform 110 and extends into an opening in the hatch deck while the work platform 110 is supported by the hatch deck.

12. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the well pipe jack 300 is fixed to a downward-facing surface or underside of the work platform 110 and at least one further module, for example a dismantling module 120 and/or a handling module 200, is arranged on an upward-facing surface or top side of the work platform 110.

13. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the moveable gripping module 310 and the stationary gripping module 330 are configurable to grip a well pipe string, and the moveable gripping module 310 is configurable to move relative to the stationary gripping module 330 so as to enable movement of a well pipe string.

14. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 and the moveable gripping module 310 each comprise a slip member 340,320 and an interchangeable bushing 335,315 located between the respective gripping module 330,310 and the slip member 340,320.

15. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 is connected to the moveable gripping module 310 via at least one actuator 350a,b.

16. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 is connected to the moveable gripping module 310 via at least one piston and cylinder assembly.

17. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 is connected to the moveable gripping module 310 via four piston and cylinder assemblies.

18. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 and the movable gripping module 310 are directly connected via the at least one piston and cylinder assembly.

19. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the movable gripping module 310 comprises a first guide profile 319 and the stationary gripping module 330 comprises a second guide profile 339 and the guide profiles 319,339 interlock to provide guided movement of the moveable gripping module 310 relative to the stationary module 339.

20. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 and the movable gripping module 310 are coupled together in use, and are configurable to be decoupled so as to disassemble the well pipe jack 300.

21. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the work platform 110 is located and mounted on a deck of an offshore platform, the platform module arrangement is mounted on the work platform 110, and the well pipe jack 300 is located below the deck and coupled to the offshore platform.

22. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the platform module arrangement is dismountable from the work platform 110, the work platform 110 is dismountable from the deck and the well pipe jack 300 is decouplable from the offshore platform to permit relocation of the apparatus on the offshore platform.

23. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the platform module arrangement comprises a tool storage module 140.

24. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the tool storage module 140 comprises a fingerboard for storage of a pulling string 141 for retrieving the well pipe string.

25. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module 120 has a parked position and an operational position and is capable of movement between the parked position and the operational position.

26. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module is capable of translational movement relative to the work platform 110.

27. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module 120 is mounted on a track 123 on the work platform 110.

28. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module 120 comprises a gripping tool and a cutting tool 115 for gripping and subsequently cutting a section of well pipe 280.

29. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module 120 comprises a detachment tool.

30. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module 120 comprises a cutting tool 115, for example any of a shear, a saw, pliers or a tong.

31. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the handling module 200 comprises a slew column 210, at least one lower arm 220, at least one upper arm 230, a gripper 250 and at least one winch 260.

32. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the gripper 250 comprises a guiding funnel 252 to facilitate correct positioning on the section of well pipe 280.

33. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the handling module 200 comprises a gripper arrest compartment 240 to secure the gripper 250 in a fixed position.

34. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the work platform 110 comprises an aperture 111.

35. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module is mounted on the work platform 110 adjacent the aperture 111.

36. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the dismantling module 120 at least partially circumscribes the aperture 111.

37. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the well pipe jack 300 comprises feed-through openings 322,342 and the feed-through openings 322,342 are vertically aligned with the aperture 111.

38. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the platform module arrangement comprises a control system module.

39. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the platform module arrangement comprises at least one of: a hydraulic power unit 380; a cathead 390; at least one waste basket 190a,b; or a control cabin 400 for operating and/or supervising the operation of the well pipe removal apparatus.

40. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the well pipe is a production pipe.

41. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the handling module 200 is a robotic handling machine 200 comprising a slew column 210, at least one lower arm 220, at least one upper arm 230, a gripper 250 and at least one winch 260.

42. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the lower arm 220 is pivotable connected to the slew column 210.

43. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the upper arm 230 is pivotable connected to the lower arm 220.

44. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the robotic handling machine 200 additionally comprising a gripper arrest compartment 240.

45. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the gripper arrest compartment 240 is pivotable mounted at the upper arm 230.

46. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the gripper 250 comprises a guiding funnel 252 to facilitate correct positioning on the section of well pipe 280.

47. A method for the operation of a well pipe removal apparatus 100, comprising: providing and installing a work platform 110 on an offshore structure; mounting a platform module arrangement on the work platform 110 and a well pipe jack 300 on the work platform 110; and engaging a section of well pipe with the well pipe jack 300 and moving the well pipe using the well pipe jack 300 from an in-well location to the work platform 110.

48. The method of any preceding clause, comprising: gripping and dismantling a section of well pipe string 280 with the platform module arrangement.

49. The method of any preceding clause, comprising: dismounting the platform module arrangement and the well pipe jack 300 from the work platform 110.

50. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the step of mounting a well pipe jack 300 on the work platform 110 comprises mounting the well pipe jack 300 on a downward-facing surface or underside of the work platform 110.

51. The method of any preceding clause, comprising uninstalling the work platform 110 from the offshore structure.

52. The method of any preceding clause, comprising installing the work platform 110 at a first location on the offshore structure, and subsequently uninstalling the work platform 110 from the first location on the offshore structure, and reinstalling the work platform 110 at a second location on the offshore structure.

53. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the first and second locations are different locations on a hatch deck.

54. The method of any preceding clause, comprising mounting the platform module arrangement on the work platform 110 and the well pipe jack 300 below the work platform 110 when the work platform 110 is installed at the second offshore location.

55. The method of any preceding clause, comprising; grabbing a pulling string 141 with the platform module arrangement; lowering the pulling string 141 with the well pipe jack 300; directly connecting the pulling string 141 to the well pipe string; moving the connected pulling string 141 and well pipe string and dissembling the pulling string 141 with the platform module arrangement.

56. The method of any preceding clause, comprising grabbing one other pulling string 141 and mounting the other pulling string 141 on the lowered pulling string 141 creating a longer pulling string and subsequently lowering the elongated pulling string with the well pipe jack 300.

57. The method of any preceding clause, comprising repeating grabbing one other pulling string 141 and mounting the other pulling string 141 on the lowered pulling string and lowering the elongated pulling string with the well pipe jack 300 until the elongated pulling string is long enough to reach the well pipe string with the elongated pulling string.

58. The method of any preceding clause, comprising the steps of: gripping the well pipe with a first gripping means 310,320; releasing the well pipe with the second gripping means 330,340; moving the first gripping means 310,320 relatively to a second gripping means 330,340; gripping the well pipe with the second gripping means 330,340; releasing the well pipe with the first gripping means 310,320; moving the first gripping means 310,320 relatively to the second gripping 330,340 means in the opposite direction in relation to the first movement; and repeating the provided steps until the well pipe has been moved by a desired amount.

59. A well pipe jack 300 comprising a stationary gripping module 330 and a movable gripping module 310, wherein the movable gripping module 310 and the stationary gripping module 330 are configurable to grip a well pipe string, and the movable gripping module 310 is configurable to move relative to the stationary gripping module 330 so as to enable movement of the well pipe string.

60. The well pipe jack 300 according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 and the moveable gripping module 310 each comprise a slip member 340,320 and an interchangeable bushing 335,315 located between the respective gripping module 330,310 and the slip member 340,320.

61. The well pipe jack 300 according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 is connected to the moveable gripping module 310 via at least one actuator 350a,b.

62. The well pipe jack 300 according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 is connected to the moveable gripping module 310 via at least one piston and cylinder assembly.

63. The well pipe jack 300 according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 is connected to the moveable gripping module 310 via four piston and cylinder assemblies.

64. The well pipe jack 300 according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 and the movable gripping module 310 are directly connected via the at least one piston and cylinder assembly.

65. The well pipe jack 300 according to any preceding clause, wherein the movable gripping module 310 comprises a first guide profile 319 and the stationary gripping module 330 comprises a second guide profile 339 and the guide profiles 319,339 interlock to provide guided movement of the moveable gripping module 310 relative to the stationary gripping module 330.

66. The well pipe jack 300 according to any preceding clause, wherein the stationary gripping module 330 and the movable gripping module 310 are coupled together in use, and are able to be decoupled so as to disassemble the well pipe jack 300.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A well pipe removal apparatus for the removal of a well pipe from a well, the apparatus comprising: a work platform for performing a well pipe disassembly operation thereon, the work platform configured for positioning on a deck of an offshore platform; and a well pipe jack configured to provide a well pipe string at the work platform, the well pipe jack comprising a stationary gripping module and a movable gripping module.
2. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the well pipe jack is fixed to the work platform.
3. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, the work platform comprising a dismantling module for removing a section of well pipe from a well pipe string.
4. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the dismantling module is mountable and removable from the work platform.
5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, the work platform comprising a handling module for gripping and moving said section of well pipe.
6. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the handling module is mountable and removable from the work platform.
7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the well pipe jack is mountable and removable from the work platform.
8. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the well pipe jack is positionable below the work platform.
9. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the well pipe jack is fixed to the work platform at: (i) an upward-facing surface or top side thereof, or (ii) a downward-facing surface or underside thereof.
10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the work platform is arranged on a hatch deck of an offshore platform.
11. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the well pipe jack is fixed to a downward-facing surface or underside of the work platform and extends into an opening in the hatch deck while the work platform is supported by the hatch deck.
12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the well pipe jack is fixed to a downward-facing surface or underside of the work platform and at least one further module, for example a dismantling module and/or a handling module, is arranged on an upward-facing surface or top side of the work platform.
13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the moveable gripping module and the stationary gripping module are configurable to grip a well pipe string, and the moveable gripping module is configurable to move relative to the stationary gripping module so as to enable movement of a well pipe string.
14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the stationary gripping module and the moveable gripping module each comprise a slip member and an interchangeable bushing located between the respective gripping module and the slip member.
15. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the stationary gripping module is connected to the moveable gripping module via at least one actuator.
16. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the stationary gripping module is connected to the moveable gripping module via at least one piston and cylinder assembly.
17. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the stationary gripping module is connected to the moveable gripping module via four piston and cylinder assemblies.
18. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the stationary gripping module and the movable gripping module are directly connected via the at least one piston and cylinder assembly.
19. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable gripping module comprises a first guide profile and the stationary gripping module comprises a second guide profile and the guide profiles interlock to provide guided movement of the moveable gripping module relative to the stationary module.
20. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the stationary gripping module and the movable gripping module are coupled together in use, and are configurable to be decoupled so as to disassemble the well pipe jack.
21. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the work platform is located and mounted on a deck of an offshore platform, the platform module arrangement is mounted on the work platform, and the well pipe jack is located below the deck and coupled to the offshore platform.
22. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform module arrangement is dismountable from the work platform, the work platform is dismountable from the deck and the well pipe jack is decouplable from the offshore platform to permit relocation of the apparatus on the offshore platform.
23. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform module arrangement comprises a tool storage module.
24. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool storage module comprises a fingerboard for storage of a pulling string for retrieving the well pipe string.
25. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the dismantling module has a parked position and an operational position and is capable of movement between the parked position and the operational position.