US20060231268A1 - Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations Download PDFInfo
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- US20060231268A1 US20060231268A1 US11/198,475 US19847505A US2006231268A1 US 20060231268 A1 US20060231268 A1 US 20060231268A1 US 19847505 A US19847505 A US 19847505A US 2006231268 A1 US2006231268 A1 US 2006231268A1
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- coiled tubing
- top drive
- mast
- tubing injector
- injector
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- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 39
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 244000261422 Lysimachia clethroides Species 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
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- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/02—Drilling rigs characterised by means for land transport with their own drive, e.g. skid mounting or wheel mounting
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/22—Handling reeled pipe or rod units, e.g. flexible drilling pipes
Definitions
- the invention relates to apparatus for performing earth borehole operations such as drilling, and in particular to apparatus which can use both coiled tubing and jointed-pipe.
- CT coiled tubing
- CT technology allows the continuous deployment of pipe while drilling the well, significantly reducing the frequency with which such drilling must be suspended to allow additional sections of pipe to be connected. This results in less connection time, and as a result, an efficiency of both cost and time.
- CT tends to be less robust than jointed-pipe for surface-level drilling
- CT tends to be less robust than jointed-pipe for surface-level drilling
- drill stem testing or coring operations to assess conditions downhole it may again be necessary to switch from CT drilling to jointed-pipe drilling and then back again.
- CT drilling Another disadvantage of CT drilling is the time consuming process of assembling a (bottom-hole-assembly (BHA)—the components at the end of the CT for drilling, testing, well servicing, etc.), and connecting the BHA to the end of the CT.
- BHA bottom-hole-assembly
- this step is performed manually through the use of rotary tables and make-up/breakout equipment.
- top drives are used but the CT injector and the top drive must be moved out of each others way, i.e., they cannot both be in line with the borehole. Not only does this process result in costly downtime, but it can also present safety hazards to the workers as they are required to manipulate heavy components manually.
- U.S. Publication 2004/0206551 there is disclosed a rig adapted to perform earth borehole operations using both CT and/or jointed-pipes, the CT injector and a top drive being mounted on the same mast, the CT injector being selectively moveable between a first position wherein the CT injector is in line with the mast of the rig and hence the earth borehole and a second position wherein the CT injector is out of line with the mast to allow operations using the top drive involving jointed pipe.
- the present invention provides an apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising a base or substructure, a mast mounted on the base, a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough, and a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive.
- the present invention provides an apparatus for connecting the tubing of a coiled tubing injector to a bottom hole assembly
- a base or substructure comprising a base or substructure; a mast mounted on the base; a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough; a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the coiled tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive; a rotary table mounted on the base, the rotary table being operable to engage and manipulate a first component of a bottom hole assembly, the top drive being operable to engage and manipulate a second component of a bottom hole assembly, the top drive and the rotary table being cooperatively operable to make up a complete bottom hole assembly, the coiled tubing injector being selectively operable to move coiled tubing through the opening in the top drive and into and out of engagement with the complete bottom hole assembly.
- a method of performing earth borehole operations comprising: providing a base; providing a mast mounted on the base; providing a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive being operable to engage and manipulate components used in earth borehole operations, the top drive having an opening therethrough; providing a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the injector can be passed through the opening in the top drive; providing a rotary table mounted on said base; selectively using the top drive to engage and manipulate a component(s) used in earth borehole operations while the coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative; and selectively using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into the earth borehole while the top drive is substantially inoperative, the coiled tubing passing through the opening in the top drive.
- the present invention provides a method of performing earth borehole operations comprising: providing a base; providing a mast mounted on the base; providing a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top driving being operable to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations, the top driving having an opening therethrough; providing a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the injector can pass through the opening in the top drive; using the top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations; and using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into said component through said opening in said top drive.
- FIG. 1 is a partial, side elevational view of an apparatus according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a partial, side elevational view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a partial, side elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the top drive is manipulating a tubular component.
- FIG. 3A is a view taken along the lines 3 A- 3 A of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a partial, side elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a partial, side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 with the coiled tubing injector in a position to perform earth borehole operations and shows, in phantom, positioning the mast of the apparatus at an angle to the horizontal to effect off-vertical earth borehole operations.
- FIG. 6 is a side, partial elevational view showing a bottom hole assembly being made up using the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side, partial elevational view showing another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the hydraulic ram system is used as the lifting mechanism for the top drive.
- FIG. 7A is a view taken along the lines 7 A- 7 A of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 8 is a partial, side elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the top drive positioned directly below the coiled tubing injector on a track system secured to the mast.
- FIG. 9 is a partial, side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 but with the top drive moved laterally on a spur track system such that the top drive is laterally displaced from the coiled tubing injector.
- FIG. 10 shows a top, detailed view of a split block arrangement for carrying the top drive.
- FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a top drive-split block arrangement shown in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 10 showing how the top drive can be moved laterally relative to the mast.
- FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14 is a partial, side elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the coiled tubing injector pivoted 90° from the position shown in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 18 but showing the coiled tubing injector and the gooseneck being rotated 90° relative to the view shown in FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 .
- the apparatus of the present invention is seen to comprise a mast, shown generally as 10 , and a base shown generally as 12 .
- Mast 10 as shown particularly with reference to FIG. 3A , is comprised of a pair of spaced elongate frame members 14 interconnected at the top by a crown 16 .
- mast 12 is pivotally connected to base 12 for reasons described hereafter. However, it is not necessary that mast 10 be pivotally connected to base 12 , i.e., it could be fixedly attached, if desired.
- base 12 comprises a wheeled carrier or trailer 18 providing a generally centrally located platform 20 , the wheeled carrier 18 having a tongue 22 which can be attached to a motorized vehicle such that the trailer 18 can be moved from one location to another.
- the wheeled carrier 18 can be self propelled and even further that the base can comprise a stationary structure as, for example, a skid or the like which can be raised and placed on a trailer or other transport vehicle for movement to another site, if desired.
- the apparatus of the present invention could be mounted on an offshore platform via a skid or other substructure on while the mast and other components are mounted.
- Wheeled trailer 18 also provides a second, rear platform 26 on which is mounted a rotary table 24 .
- Rear platform 22 provides a work surface 26 for workers to manipulate various downhole components into and out of the rotary table and to perform other normal operations in conjunction with earth borehole operations such as drilling, workover, servicing, etc.
- a spool 28 upon which is wound a length of coiled tubing 30 .
- Spool 28 can be rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise directions using a suitable drive assembly (not shown).
- an engine 27 and a hydraulic tank 29 for storage of hydraulic fluid used in operating the various hydraulic components of the apparatus, e.g., motors, hydraulic cylinders, etc.
- the coiled tubing 30 extends up to a gooseneck or guide 32 supported in a well-known manner.
- the gooseneck 32 is attached to a coiled tubing injector 34 which, as shown in FIG.
- coiled tubing injector 34 typically comprises a series of blocks, sprockets or like grippers driven by endless chains or belts, shown in phantom as 39 , and which grab the coiled tubing 30 and force it downwardly in the direction of arrow A when it is being injected into a well and move it upwardly in the direction of arrow B when it is being removed from the well.
- top drive 36 is mounted on mast 10 between members 14 for longitudinal movement therealong in either the direction of arrow A or arrow B.
- top drive 36 is mounted on a track system, indicated as 15 , which is affixed to members 14 . It will be recognized, however, that top drive 36 could be suspended in other fashions other than the track system 15 such that it could be longitudinally moved along mast 10 .
- Top drive 36 is moved longitudinally along mast 10 by a hoisting system comprised of a winch or draw works mounted on platform 18 and one or more cables 40 which run through a crown block sheave assembly 16 a located at the top of mast 10 .
- the cables 40 pass through or by coiled tubing injector 34 and are attached to top drive 36 in a well-known manner whereby draw works 38 can selectively raise top drive 36 upwardly along mast 10 or lower top drive 36 downwardly along mast 10 , i.e., in the directions of arrows A and B, respectively.
- the top drive serves as an elevator for the coiled tubing injector 34 , in that movement of the coiled tubing injector 34 longitudinally along the mast 10 is effected by movement of the top drive 36 .
- the cables 40 run through or alongside coiled tubing injector 34 and are attached to the top drive 36 in the well-known manner.
- top drive 36 has an opening 37 extending longitudinally therethrough for a purpose to be described hereafter. While the opening 37 has been described as extending longitudinally through the top drive 36 , it is conceivable that a top drive unit could be designed such that the opening was not through the top drive but rather was an opening in the form of a slot on the side of the top drive. Obviously, such a top drive would be more complicated in construction and might have to accommodate lateral movement such that when the top drive was being used it was aligned with the vertical axis of the borehole, but when the tubing injector was being used, the tubing issuing therefrom would also be aligned with the vertical axis of the borehole.
- top drive for use in the apparatus of the present invention is a Foremost Model F-100T.
- the Foremost Model F-100T is a hydraulic top drive system and is commercially available.
- the Model F-100T is provided with hydraulically actuated bails to assist in picking up or laying down tubulars and includes a hydraulically actuated tong assembly mounted on the top drive to assist in breakout/make-up of the drill string or other tubular downhole strings.
- top drive 36 is serving as an elevator for coiled tubing injector 34
- top drive 36 can serve as an elevator for top drive 34 .
- coiled tubing injector 34 and top drive 36 are basically adjacent one another, it is contemplated that some axial spacing could be accommodated, if necessary, consistent with having enough longitudinal length along mast 10 for top drive 36 to act independently when necessary. Such a situation would occur, for example, when top drive 36 was being used to drill a surface borehole, run casing, etc.
- top drive 36 was being used to drill a surface borehole, run casing, etc.
- top drive 36 having an opening 37 extending longitudinally therethrough
- coiled tubing 30 from coiled tubing injector 34 can be passed through top drive 36 in which event top drive 36 would be basically inoperative save for its function as serving as an elevator for coiled tubing injector 34 .
- FIG. 2 there is shown another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the coiled tubing injector 34 is mounted on the crown of the mast 10 such that it is not longitudinally movable along the mast 10 , but is still above top drive 36 such that, as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , coiled tubing 30 from injector 34 passes through the opening 37 in top drive 36 .
- the present invention provides a universal rig which can selectively handle and run different types of pipe, coiled tubing, and other earth borehole equipment thereby eliminating the need for two rigs—one rig to use a top drive in the conventional manner and a separate coiled tubing injector unit to perform coiled tubing operations.
- the coiled tubing injector 34 is being used to manipulate coiled tubing 30 , the coiled tubing 30 passing through the top drive 36 , the top drive 36 being basically in an inoperative position vis-a-vis manipulating tubular components, components of bottom hole assemblies or the like.
- top drive 36 does serve the purpose of being an elevator for coiled tubing injector 34 .
- FIG. 3 there is shown an embodiment of the present invention wherein the coiled tubing injector 34 is basically in an inoperative position while the top drive 36 is being operated to manipulate tubular components.
- the coiled tubing injector 34 is moved to the crown 16 of the mast 10 and is held in that position by a latching or locking mechanism as, for example, one or more pins 43 (see FIG. 3A ) which are operatively mounted in mast 10 and which can be selectively operated, electrically, hydraulically or in any other suitable fashion, to engage coiled tubing injector 34 or a cradle therefor and hold it in that position.
- a latching or locking mechanism as, for example, one or more pins 43 (see FIG. 3A ) which are operatively mounted in mast 10 and which can be selectively operated, electrically, hydraulically or in any other suitable fashion, to engage coiled tubing injector 34 or a cradle therefor and hold it in that position.
- a plurality of such latching or locking mechanisms can be spaced longitudinally along mast 10 such that coiled tubing injector 34 can be held at a variety of desired, longitudinally spaced locations along mast 10 . It will also be appreciated that provision could be made to use a screw mechanism extending longitudinally along members 14 which could selectively engage or disengage injector 34 to continuously or incrementally move coiled tubing injector 34 along mast 10 rather than having longitudinally spaced latching mechanisms such as the use of pins 43 . In any event, with coiled tubing injector 34 temporarily locked in the position shown in FIG.
- the top drive 36 can now perform operations typically performed by a top drive such as, for example, manipulating a tubular component such as casing 42 brought in through the V-door 44 as is common in typical oilfield operations.
- a top drive such as, for example, manipulating a tubular component such as casing 42 brought in through the V-door 44 as is common in typical oilfield operations.
- the apparatus of the present invention would be provided with elevators and other components normally used to manipulate downhole components, e.g., pipe, as for example, to grip the pipe or other downhole component and move it to a position where it could be engaged and subsequently manipulated by the top drive.
- the tubing injector 34 would be inoperative while top drive 36 would be operative. This ability to selectively use the top drive and the injector independently of one another is clearly advantageous in terms of saving cost and time.
- FIG. 4 there is shown a slightly different embodiment wherein the draw works 38 is mounted on the mast 10 , the cables 40 running through the crown block 16 a in the crown 16 and down to the top drive 36 .
- the draw works 38 could be removably mounted, carried on a trolley, hingedly attached or the like, such that, for transportation purposes, the draw works could basically be moved to a position that it did not extend above the mast when the mast was lowered to the horizontal, transportation position.
- FIG. 4 the draw works 38 could be removably mounted, carried on a trolley, hingedly attached or the like, such that, for transportation purposes, the draw works could basically be moved to a position that it did not extend above the mast when the mast was lowered to the horizontal, transportation position.
- lubricator 44 extending from coiled tubing injector 34 , is a telescoping lubricator 44 , lubricator 44 facilitating connection or disconnection of coiled tubing 30 with a bottom hole assembly.
- lubricator 44 can be extended or contracted using a lubricator winch (not shown).
- FIG. 5 there is shown still another, modified embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 wherein the draw works 38 , as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , is mounted on the mast 10 .
- the top drive 36 and the injector 34 have been moved to the lowermost position, i.e., adjacent rotary table 24 , and in this position, top drive 36 would be essentially inoperative and coiled tubing injector 34 would be operative to perform downhole operations such as drilling, workovers, etc.
- mast 10 can be pivoted relative to the base 12 by a pivoting assembly (not shown) to a position depicted in phantom in FIG. 5 .
- the mast 10 can be lowered off vertical to operate at any operating angle between the horizontal and vertical to permit off-vertical drilling. It would also be understood that in cases where off-angle well operations were being performed, reorientation of the rotary table and other component would have to be accommodated. Additionally using a pivoting connection between the mast 10 and the base 12 allows the mast 10 to be lowered to a substantially horizontal position for purposes of moving the apparatus to another location if base 12 comprises a wheeled carrier which is either self-propelled or can be pulled by a motorized vehicle, a skid or the like, etc.
- the apparatus of the present invention is universal in the sense that the same rig carries a coiled tubing injector to manipulate coiled tubing and a top drive to manipulate jointed pipe or other downhole components, the injector and the top drive being selectively, independently operable to perform their customary functions.
- the universal nature of the apparatus of the present invention is attested to by the fact that when the top drive is being used to manipulate a downhole component, e.g., a string of pipe, such as casing, tubing, drill pipe, etc., the coiled tubing injector can be simultaneously used to inject coiled tubing through the top drive into the string of pipe to perform an operation as, for example, freeing the pipe string if it is stuck or to some other downhole operation.
- the present invention also provides an efficient apparatus to cooperatively use the coiled tubing injector and the top drive.
- the top drive 36 is shown in a position displaced axially up from the rotary table 24 , the injector being positioned at the crown as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the rotary table 24 is suspending a downhole motor 50 on the end of which is connected to a drill bit 52 .
- the threaded box end 54 of the downhole motor 50 (or a component attached to the downhole motor 50 ), is in a position to receive the threaded pin 56 of a second downhole component 58 which can be a part of a bottom hole assembly or alternatively, a conventional tubular member.
- top drive 36 is lowered until pin 56 is received in box 54 .
- top drive 36 can be rotated to thread pin 56 into box 54 .
- top drive 36 could be used to hold component 58 against rotation while it was slowly being lowered and the rotary table 24 could be used to rotate the downhole motor 50 which again would cause threaded engagement between pin 56 and box 54 .
- component 58 could be part of a string of pipe wherein a plurality of joints of pipe are successively connected together, the portion of the pipe string suspended in the rotary table 24 being released and lowered as each successive joint of pipe is connected whereby eventually the entire string is lowered into the borehole.
- FIG. 6 also depicts a method of making up and connecting a complete bottom hole assembly to the end of the coiled tubing from the coiled tubing injector 34 .
- FIGS. 7 and 7 A there is shown an embodiment of the present invention wherein, as an alternative, telescoping hydraulic cylinder systems are used to move the top drive longitudinally along the mast.
- the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 A might be utilized when the mast 10 was unusually long, e.g., on an offshore platform and in a situation where the top drive 36 was manipulating longer strings of jointed pipe that would result in greater loading that might make a draw works lifting system such as shown in the embodiments described above, impractical or at least require a larger winch, more and heavier cables, etc.
- FIG. 7 the system depicted in FIGS. 7 and 7 A has no draw works.
- the base 12 has support legs 60 located generally under platform 36 to support the extra weight occasioned by the hydraulic cylinder system employed and any additional loading from the mast, pipe being handled, etc. It would be appreciated that the leg 60 could be selectively extended and retracted as desired.
- the hydraulic cylinder systems shown generally as 62 can be made in a four-stage cylinder design comprised of cylinders 64 , 66 , 68 and 70 , as which can be seen, are telescopically received into one another such that when all the hydraulic cylinders are in their lower most position, they are all received in lower cylinder 64 . It is well known to those skilled in the art, that the cylinder systems would be operated using suitable pumps, hoses, accumulators (are not shown) well known to those skilled in the art.
- the hydraulic cylinder systems 62 are mounted on a platform 72 formed on base 12 . It will be understood that with the use of the hydraulic cylinders and the increased weight, and if the base 12 was part of a wheeled carrier, as described above, the various portions of the base 12 , particularly platform 72 would be built to accommodate the additional weight and the downward force exerted on the base 12 when the cylinder systems were in a lifting position such as shown in FIG. 7 . As a practical matter, the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 A is more ideally suited to use on a base or sub-structure such as on an offshore platform that can easily accommodate heavy loads or downward forces. However, for purposes only of depicting the use of a hydraulic cylinder system(s) as a lifting or hoisting device for the top drive 36 , the hydraulic cylinder system 62 has been shown as mounted on a wheeled carrier.
- FIG. 7A there could be two of such hydraulic cylinder systems 62 , one each positioned adjacent, generally on the inside, of members 14 forming mast 10 .
- the uppermost cylinders 70 are connected to plates 80 that in turn are generally releasably connected to top drive 36 .
- plates 80 on top drive 36 are connected, via a nut and bolt arrangement or some other selectively releasable mechanism, to a flange 82 connected to coiled tubing unit 34 .
- movement of the hydraulic cylinder systems 62 would effect movement of both the coiled tubing unit 34 and the top drive 36 .
- top drive 36 could now be moved independently of coiled tubing injector 34 by the hydraulic cylinder systems 62 and, for example, coil tubing unit 34 could be latched or locked to the uppermost portion of the mast 10 below the crown 16 as, for example, by latching pins 43 such as shown in FIG. 3 a.
- the system of the present invention positions the coiled tubing injector in the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing issuing from the coiled tubing injector passes through the top drive.
- the coiled tubing need not move directly through any opening in the top drive but can move in slots or other openings along the side of the top drive. It is also contemplated that the top drive, albeit normally positioned below the coiled tubing injector, could be moved to one side or another in a lateral or transverse direction relative to the mast such that the coiled tubing injector remained in line with the wellbore while the top drive was out of alignment with the wellbore.
- the coiled tubing injector and the top drive could be temporarily in a side-by-side arrangement.
- This arrangement is particularly useful in relatively small rigs using relatively large diameter coiled tubing, e.g., 3′′.
- a lubricator see FIG. 4
- FIGS. 4 Referring then to FIGS.
- coiled tubing injector can be releasably, fixedly positioned at a desired point along the mast and the top drive parked or moved laterally relative to the coiled tubing injector such that coiled tubing issuing from the coiled tubing injector passes alongside the top drive into the earth borehole.
- Each of frame members 14 of mast 10 is provided with a mast track 100 upon which coiled tubing injector 39 and top drive 36 travel longitudinally therealong.
- mast tracks 100 has operatively connected thereto a spur track or rail 102 which extends transversely from mast tracks 100 to platform 26 or at least some distance laterally displaced from mast tracks 100 . As shown in FIG.
- top drive 36 is in the position acting as an elevator for coiled tubing injector 39 carried on top drive 36 , the combination of the coiled tubing injector 39 and top drive 36 being positioned generally half way along the frame members 14 forming mast 10 .
- top drive 36 is free to move longitudinally along mast tracks 100 substantially from rotary table 24 to a desired upper position when coiled tubing injector 39 is positioned and releasably fixed in mast 10 proximate crown 16 .
- coiled tubing injector 39 is shown as being releasably, fixedly held in mast 10 in a manner described above, while top drive 36 is now positioned in the lower portion of mast 10 but laterally displaced from mast 10 , coiled tubing injector 39 and the axis 106 of the wellbore. To accomplish this, coiled tubing injector 39 is releasably fixed in mast 10 at the location shown in FIG. 9 .
- Top drive 36 as described, can move downwardly to a point 107 where spur tracks 102 operatively intersect mast tracks 100 .
- a switching mechanism 104 is activated to divert a trolley or the like on which top drive 36 is sitting onto spur tracks 102 such that top drive 36 now moves downwardly but tranversely to mast tracks 100 and can then be parked or located at a position where it is out of alignment with the wellbore axis 106 .
- top drive 36 has been moved relatively close to work surface 26 but it is apparent that it could be positioned higher from the position shown in FIG. 9 , indeed even at least partially in the framework of mast 10 , and still remain out of alignment with the axis 106 of the wellbore.
- top drive 36 can then inject coiled tubing 30 through rotary table 34 and into the wellbore, the coiled tubing passing alongside top drive 36 .
- coiled tubing injector 39 is provided with a separate hoisting mechanism as previously described, it could be moved along mast 10 independently of any movement of top drive 36 .
- top drive 36 still serves as an elevator for coiled tubing injector 39 which can be positioned at a desired location in the mast 10 first, following which the top drive, if desired, can be moved into a laterally displaced position as shown in FIG. 9 .
- operatively connected operatively intersect or similar term with respect to the spur tracks 102 and mast tracks 100 is intended to mean that the two track systems are interrelated to the extent that the top drive 36 can be switched from mast tracks 100 to spur tracks 102 or vice versa.
- Switching mechanism 104 can be any one of well known switching mechanisms used in track conveying systems to selectively switch a trolley or similar conveying device moving along a first track system to a second track system.
- Such switching systems can be mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic, etc. It will also be appreciated that such switching mechanisms can be activated manually or automatically such that when, in this case, top drive 36 reaches a certain position, i.e., at the juncture or intersection of spur tracks 102 and mast tracks 100 , the switching system has been set in an automatic mode to move the top drive from mast tracks 100 to spur tracks 102 .
- top drives used in oil and gas drilling and well servicing operations are commonly carried by a so-called integrated split block arrangement.
- a split block arrangement a frame having laterally spaced side members is provided with one or more sheaves on each of the spaced side members, each of the sheaves being connected by cables to a suitable crown block.
- the use of these split block arrangements reduces stack-up as is common in simple traveling block assemblies.
- Such a split block arrangement is ideally suited for use in the present invention to carry the top drive, the coiled tubing injector being positioned on a platform, cradle or the like which would rest on the top drive.
- split block assembly essentially forming part of the top drive, as described above, would act as an elevator for the coiled tubing injector.
- Typical of split block arrangements used in conjunction with top drives is the T75/T100 series of top drives manufactured and sold by TESCO Corporation as can be seen at www.tescocorp.com.
- FIGS. 10-13 there is shown a split block assembly for use in carrying the top drive used in the present invention.
- Frame members 14 of mast 10 are provided with longitudinally extending tracks 108 and 110 .
- a generally rectangular frame F shown as 110 comprises a first side frame member 112 , a second, laterally spaced side frame member 114 , a first cross frame member 16 and a second, laterally spaced cross frame member 118 , members 112 , 114 , 116 and 118 forming a generally rectangular opening in frame F.
- Pivotally attached to frame members 118 and 116 is a bail 120 .
- Bail 120 is also pivotally attached to top drive 36 as shown at 122 .
- a piston-cylinder assembly 124 has one end of the cylinder pivotally attached as at 125 to frame member 118 , the pivot point 125 being laterally displaced toward side member 112 relative to the pivot point 121 .
- Reciprocally extending out of the cylinder of piston-cylinder assembly 124 is a piston rod 126 which has one end pivotally attached at 122 to bail 120 .
- Side member 112 has attached thereto sheaves 130 and 132 while side member 110 has attached thereto sheaves 134 and 136 .
- Cables 138 , 140 , 142 and 146 extend from sheaves 130 , 132 , 134 and 136 , respectively, up to a crown block assembly (not shown) as is well known to those skilled in the art.
- frame F can be moved longitudinally along tracks 108 and 110 and hence longitudinally along the mast 10 formed by frame members 14 .
- roller assemblies 160 and 162 are attached to side frame member 112
- roller assemblies 164 and 166 are attached to side frame 110 .
- roller assemblies 160 and 162 engage track 108 while roller assemblies 164 and 166 engage track 109 .
- top drive 36 is suspended below frame F so as to be positioned generally centrally between side frame members 112 and 114 , i.e., in a position generally in line with the wellbore axis 106 .
- top drive 36 is shown as being displaced laterally off of the axis of the wellbore 106 .
- hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly 124 is activated to retract piston 126 which results in bail 120 pivoting around pivot point 121 moving top drive 36 toward track 108 .
- Piston-cylinder assembly 124 can be hydraulic, pneumatic and it will be appreciated that any number of mechanisms can be used to move bail 120 and hence top drive 36 between the positions shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 , i.e., from a position where top drive 36 is generally over center of the axis 106 of the wellbore to a position, as shown in FIG. 13 , where it is moved laterally with respect to the axis 106 .
- piston-cylinder assembly 124 can be attached to frame F on the side nearest track 109 such that top drive 36 would now be moved to the left of wellbore axis 106 as viewed in FIG. 13 .
- the arrangement shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 is as seen from the V-door side of the drilling rig (see FIG. 3 ). Although perhaps somewhat more complicated, an arrangement similar to that shown in FIGS. 11-13 could be used to move the top drive laterally either towards the V-door or towards the trailer upon which spool 28 is mounted.
- FIGS. 14-17 there is shown an embodiment of the present invention wherein the coiled tubing injector can be moved to the top of the mast and pivoted at least 90° so as to provide more vertical working space in the mast when the top drive is in use.
- the apparatus shown generally as 200 , comprises a mast shown generally as 202 which as seen in FIG. 15 is comprised of a pair of spaced, elongate frame members 204 and 206 interconnected at the top by a crown 208 carrying a crown block assembly as described above and as is well known in the art.
- mast 202 is pivotally connected to a base 210 , e.g., in the form of a wheeled trailer, such that mast 202 can be pivoted to a generally horizontal position for transportation purposes.
- a base 210 e.g., in the form of a wheeled trailer
- a reel 212 of coiled tubing from which coiled tubing 214 can be played out.
- Coiled tubing 214 passes through a guide or gooseneck 216 and then into coiled tubing injector 218 .
- top drive 220 is located generally midway of mast 202 , coiled tubing 214 being injected via coiled tubing injector 218 through a rotary table shown generally as 222 , into a wellhead, tubing 214 passing through top drive 220 as described above.
- Coiled tubing injector 218 is mounted on a carrier frame shown generally as 224 , carrier frame 224 comprising a pair of pillow blocks 226 and 228 which are operatively connected to frame members 204 and 206 , respectively.
- carrier frame 224 comprising a pair of pillow blocks 226 and 228 which are operatively connected to frame members 204 and 206 , respectively.
- coiled tubing injector 218 by means of frame 224 can move longitudinally along mast 202 on suitable tracks or the like mounted to the frame members 204 , 206 .
- Coiled tubing injector 218 is secured to or rotatably mounted on a shaft 230 , one end of which is received in pillow block 226 , the other end being received in pillow block 228 .
- shaft 230 In the case where coiled tubing injector 218 is fixedly secured to shaft 230 , shaft 230 would be rotatably journaled in pillow blocks 226 and 228 , suitable bearings being provided as is known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, if coiled tubing injector 218 is rotatably mounted on shaft 230 , then shaft 230 could be fixedly secured in pillow blocks 226 and 228 . In either event, coiled tubing injector 218 is pivotally secured to frame 224 . In the embodiment shown, coiled tubing injector 218 is fixedly secured to shaft 230 .
- a pair of pistons/cylinder assemblies 232 , 234 which can be hydraulic, are interconnected between coiled tubing injector 218 and pillow blocks 226 and 228 , respectively.
- piston rod 235 is pivotally connected at 236 by a clevis or other suitable connector to coiled tubing injector 218 .
- the other end of the piston/cylinder assembly 232 is likewise pivotally connected as at 237 to pillow block 226 or for that matter any other portion of carrier frame 224 which is not rotatable or pivotable relative to mast 202 .
- piston/cylinder assemblies 232 and 234 are off-center with respect to the long axis of coiled tubing injector 218 . Accordingly, if piston rod 235 , shown in its fully extended position in FIGS. 14 and 15 , is now retracted, there will be a vector of force generally in the direction of arrow A which will tend to pivot coiled tubing injector 218 around an axis passing through shaft 230 . The end result is depicted in FIGS.
- coiled tubing injector 218 has been pivoted such that it is now substantially perpendicular to mast 202 , i.e., to elongate frame members 204 , 206 .
- coiled tubing injector 218 has been moved 90° from a position where the coiled tubing injector 218 and hence coiled tubing 214 passing therethrough is substantially in line with rotary table 222 and hence the wellhead to a position, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , wherein the coiled tubing injector 218 is substantially perpendicular to an axis passing through rotary table 222 .
- top drive 220 now has additional vertical space above the rotary table 222 .
- This allows mast 202 to be more compact in terms of its height.
- the arrangement shown in FIGS. 14-17 permits another 2 to 18 feet of vertical head space in mast 202 allowing top drive 220 to move to a greater height in mast 202 than would be possible if coiled tubing injector 218 was confined to the position shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- the pivot axis of coiled tubing injector 218 is as far up as practical, i.e., towards the top of coiled tubing injector 218 , so as to achieve the maximum vertical head space in mast 202 .
- Suitable piston/cylinder assemblies useful in the embodiment described in FIGS. 14-17 and methods of connecting the same to suitable sources of hydraulic or pneumatic power are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in any detail here.
- FIGS. 18-20 there is shown a variation of the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 14-17 , wherein the coiled tubing injector can be moved from a position where the coiled tubing injector is in line with the rotary table/wellhead to a position where the coiled tubing injector is out of line substantially 90°, with e.g., the wellhead.
- the reel 212 of coiled tubing in conjunction with the coiled tubing 214 is used to rotate coiled tubing injector 218 from the position shown in FIG. 18 to the position shown in FIG. 20 .
- coiled tubing injector 218 is pivotally mounted on a frame 224 which in turn is longitudinally movable along the length of mast 202 .
- coiled tubing injector 218 In the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , coiled tubing injector 218 is in operation, coiled tubing 214 being played off of reel 212 through top drive 220 and into the wellhead through rotary table 222 .
- reel 212 In this situation, and as will be appreciated, reel 212 is rotating in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow B.
- FIGS. 20 and 21 once it is desired to rotate coiled tubing injector 218 from a position in line with the wellhead, i.e., through rotary table 222 , to the position shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the coiled tubing 214 which is held or can be held by any convenient means in coiled tubing injector 218 , is now reeled back onto reel 212 , reel 212 now rotating in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by arrow C.
- top drive 220 can then be moved to the desired location in mast 220 , to manipulate a piece of jointed pipe 240 or other tubular member.
- the piston cylinder assemblies 232 , 234 can be used to lock coiled tubing injector into the position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 by methods well know to those skilled in the art.
- a locking pin, as described above, or other latching mechanism can be used to hold coiled tubing injector 218 in the position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 .
- any number of techniques and apparatuses can be used to maintain coiled tubing injector in the pivoted positions shown in FIGS. 16 and 20 .
- the “carrier frame” on which coiled tubing injector 218 is pivotally mounted can comprise any assemblage of components which alone or together with other operating mechanisms will (a) allow coiled tubing injector 218 to be pivoted, and (b) allow coiled tubing injector 218 to be moved longitudinally along the mast.
- the apparatus of the present invention can be used in a manner wherein only the top drive is operative, the coiled tubing injector being positioned, for example, at a point above the top drive, e.g., at the top of the mast adjacent the crown and being inoperative.
- the top drive can be moved to a lowered position on the mast, e.g., at or near the rotary table with the coiled tubing injector being carried by the top drive, the coiled tubing injector continuously injecting tubing into the earth borehole to perform a variety of operations.
- the top drive is essentially inoperative save for the fact that it carries the coiled tubing injector and can still serve as an elevator for the coiled tubing injector.
- the coiled tubing injector, the top drive and the rotary table are on axes that are substantially coincident or can be made coincident with the wellbore.
- base or “substructure” as used herein is intended to mean any structure, be it portable or fixed, whether on land or offshore, to which the mast can be fixedly, pivotally or removably attached, which will support the mast and the attendant equipment used in the apparatus of the present invention, including the coiled tubing spool, attendant motors, winches or draw works, and any other equipment commonly used either with (a) coiled tubing injectors, or (b) top drives.
- the apparatus of the present invention can be used to accomplish numerous different earth borehole operations.
- the apparatus can be used to drill using downhole mud motors, such drilling being both directional and straight hole.
- coiled tubing can be used in various completion operations such as fracturing; acidizing; cleanouts; fishing operations; using coiled tubing as a velocity string, etc.
- the coiled tubing can also be run as production tubing.
- typical top drive operations conventional drilling can be done, casing can be run, and completion operations as described above with respect of coiled tubing can also be accomplished. Additionally, the top drive can be used to run conventional production tubing.
- the apparatus of the present invention permits every earth borehole operation that can be done in oil and gas well drilling using either a top drive or a coiled tubing unit.
- a distinct advantage of the apparatus of the present invention when compared with prior art, so-called universal systems such as disclosed in U.S. Publication 2004/0206551, is the ability to perform simultaneous operations with both the coiled tubing injector and the top drive.
- the prior art universal systems it is necessary, when using the top drive, to move the coiled tubing injector laterally out of alignment from the borehole and vice versa.
- coiled tubing injector since the coiled tubing injector remains positioned in line with the top drive and the borehole, in the event, for example, that operations with the top drive are being performed, e.g., running casing, and the casing sticks, using the apparatus of the present invention, coiled tubing can be run down through the top drive into the casing to assist in freeing the casing. It will be apparent that other situations can occur where it would be necessary to quickly inject coiled tubing down through the top drive and through a tubular string or other downhole component being manipulated by the top drive to effect some downhole operation. This, of course, cannot be accomplished with the prior art, so-called universal systems since, as noted, only one of the top drive or the coiled tubing injector can be positioned in alignment with the wellbore at any given time.
- the word “mounted” has been used with respect to the interrelationship between various components of the apparatus as, for example, the relation of the mast to the top drive and/or the coiled tubing injector. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the word “mounted”, or variants thereof, in addition to its usual meaning, is intended to include meanings such as “positioned”, “positioned on”, “carried by”, “carried on”, “carried”, “sitting on”, “resting on”, or any other similar term. In other words, the word “mounted”, or variants thereof, is not necessarily limited to meaning “affixed”, “affixed to”, “attached to”, “attached”, “secured to” or other words or phrases carrying a similar meaning.
- references in the description above to the coiled tubing injector being “mounted on the mast” are intended to include situations wherein the coiled tubing injector is positioned adjacent to the mast or positioned relative to the mast, all with the goal of achieving a scenario wherein the coiled tubing injector, when injecting coiled tubing, is above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive from a position above the top drive.
- the present invention is not limited to the use in oilfield operations but can be used in water well drilling, mining operations, in drilling injection wells, etc.
- the apparatus of the present invention is not limited to land earth borehole operations but can be used, as well, on offshore drilling and production platforms.
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Abstract
Description
- The application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/149,673 filed Jun. 10, 2005, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/107,183 filed Apr. 15, 2005, and for APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING EARTH BOREHOLE OPERATIONS, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to apparatus for performing earth borehole operations such as drilling, and in particular to apparatus which can use both coiled tubing and jointed-pipe.
- 2. Description of Prior Art
- The use of coiled tubing (CT) technology in oil and gas drilling and servicing has become more and more common in the last few years. In CT technology, a continuous pipe wound on a spool is straightened and pushed down a well using a CT injector. CT technology can be used for both drilling and servicing.
- The advantages offered by the use of CT technology, including economy of time and cost are well known. As compared with jointed-pipe technology wherein typically 30-45 foot straight sections of pipe are threadedly connected one section at a time while drilling the wellbore, CT technology allows the continuous deployment of pipe while drilling the well, significantly reducing the frequency with which such drilling must be suspended to allow additional sections of pipe to be connected. This results in less connection time, and as a result, an efficiency of both cost and time.
- However, the adoption of CT technology in drilling has been less widespread than originally anticipated as a result of certain problems inherent in using CT in a drilling application. For example, because CT tends to be less robust than jointed-pipe for surface-level drilling, it is often necessary to drill a surface hole using jointed-pipe, cement casing into the surface hole, and then switch over to CT drilling. Additionally, when difficult formations such as rock are encountered down-hole, it may be necessary to switch from CT drilling to jointed-pipe drilling until drilling through the formation is complete, and then switch back to CT drilling to continue drilling the well. Similarly, when it is necessary to perform drill stem testing or coring operations to assess conditions downhole, it may again be necessary to switch from CT drilling to jointed-pipe drilling and then back again. Finally, a switch back to jointed pipe operations may be necessary to run casing into the drilled well. In short, in CT drilling operations it is generally necessary for customers and crew to switch back and forth between CT drilling rig and jointed-pipe conventional drilling rigs, a process which results in significant down-time as one rig is moved out of the way, and another rig put in place.
- Another disadvantage of CT drilling is the time consuming process of assembling a (bottom-hole-assembly (BHA)—the components at the end of the CT for drilling, testing, well servicing, etc.), and connecting the BHA to the end of the CT. Presently, this step is performed manually through the use of rotary tables and make-up/breakout equipment. In some instances, top drives are used but the CT injector and the top drive must be moved out of each others way, i.e., they cannot both be in line with the borehole. Not only does this process result in costly downtime, but it can also present safety hazards to the workers as they are required to manipulate heavy components manually.
- In U.S. Publication 2004/0206551 there is disclosed a rig adapted to perform earth borehole operations using both CT and/or jointed-pipes, the CT injector and a top drive being mounted on the same mast, the CT injector being selectively moveable between a first position wherein the CT injector is in line with the mast of the rig and hence the earth borehole and a second position wherein the CT injector is out of line with the mast to allow operations using the top drive involving jointed pipe.
- In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising a base or substructure, a mast mounted on the base, a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough, and a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive.
- In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for connecting the tubing of a coiled tubing injector to a bottom hole assembly comprising a base or substructure; a mast mounted on the base; a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough; a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the coiled tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive; a rotary table mounted on the base, the rotary table being operable to engage and manipulate a first component of a bottom hole assembly, the top drive being operable to engage and manipulate a second component of a bottom hole assembly, the top drive and the rotary table being cooperatively operable to make up a complete bottom hole assembly, the coiled tubing injector being selectively operable to move coiled tubing through the opening in the top drive and into and out of engagement with the complete bottom hole assembly.
- In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of performing earth borehole operations comprising: providing a base; providing a mast mounted on the base; providing a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive being operable to engage and manipulate components used in earth borehole operations, the top drive having an opening therethrough; providing a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the injector can be passed through the opening in the top drive; providing a rotary table mounted on said base; selectively using the top drive to engage and manipulate a component(s) used in earth borehole operations while the coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative; and selectively using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into the earth borehole while the top drive is substantially inoperative, the coiled tubing passing through the opening in the top drive.
- In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of performing earth borehole operations comprising: providing a base; providing a mast mounted on the base; providing a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top driving being operable to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations, the top driving having an opening therethrough; providing a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the injector can pass through the opening in the top drive; using the top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations; and using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into said component through said opening in said top drive.
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FIG. 1 is a partial, side elevational view of an apparatus according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a partial, side elevational view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a partial, side elevational view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1 , wherein the top drive is manipulating a tubular component. -
FIG. 3A is a view taken along thelines 3A-3A ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a partial, side elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a partial, side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention shown inFIG. 4 with the coiled tubing injector in a position to perform earth borehole operations and shows, in phantom, positioning the mast of the apparatus at an angle to the horizontal to effect off-vertical earth borehole operations. -
FIG. 6 is a side, partial elevational view showing a bottom hole assembly being made up using the apparatus of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a side, partial elevational view showing another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the hydraulic ram system is used as the lifting mechanism for the top drive. -
FIG. 7A is a view taken along thelines 7A-7A ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 8 is a partial, side elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the top drive positioned directly below the coiled tubing injector on a track system secured to the mast. -
FIG. 9 is a partial, side elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 8 but with the top drive moved laterally on a spur track system such that the top drive is laterally displaced from the coiled tubing injector. -
FIG. 10 shows a top, detailed view of a split block arrangement for carrying the top drive. -
FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a top drive-split block arrangement shown inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a top plan view, similar toFIG. 10 showing how the top drive can be moved laterally relative to the mast. -
FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the arrangement shown inFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a partial, side elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a view similar toFIG. 13 showing the coiled tubing injector pivoted 90° from the position shown inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. -
FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 20 is a view similar toFIG. 18 but showing the coiled tubing injector and the gooseneck being rotated 90° relative to the view shown inFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 20 . - Referring first to
FIG. 1 , the apparatus of the present invention is seen to comprise a mast, shown generally as 10, and a base shown generally as 12.Mast 10, as shown particularly with reference toFIG. 3A , is comprised of a pair of spacedelongate frame members 14 interconnected at the top by acrown 16. Although not shown,mast 12 is pivotally connected tobase 12 for reasons described hereafter. However, it is not necessary thatmast 10 be pivotally connected tobase 12, i.e., it could be fixedly attached, if desired. As shown,base 12 comprises a wheeled carrier ortrailer 18 providing a generally centrally locatedplatform 20, thewheeled carrier 18 having atongue 22 which can be attached to a motorized vehicle such that thetrailer 18 can be moved from one location to another. It will be appreciated that thewheeled carrier 18 can be self propelled and even further that the base can comprise a stationary structure as, for example, a skid or the like which can be raised and placed on a trailer or other transport vehicle for movement to another site, if desired. It will also be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention could be mounted on an offshore platform via a skid or other substructure on while the mast and other components are mounted.Wheeled trailer 18 also provides a second,rear platform 26 on which is mounted a rotary table 24.Rear platform 22 provides awork surface 26 for workers to manipulate various downhole components into and out of the rotary table and to perform other normal operations in conjunction with earth borehole operations such as drilling, workover, servicing, etc. - Rotatably mounted on the
platform 18 is aspool 28 upon which is wound a length of coiledtubing 30.Spool 28 can be rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise directions using a suitable drive assembly (not shown). Also located onplatform 18 is anengine 27 and ahydraulic tank 29 for storage of hydraulic fluid used in operating the various hydraulic components of the apparatus, e.g., motors, hydraulic cylinders, etc. As is well known, most of the components of the apparatus can be operated hydraulically, electrically or, in some cases, pneumatically. The coiledtubing 30 extends up to a gooseneck or guide 32 supported in a well-known manner. Thegooseneck 32 is attached to acoiled tubing injector 34 which, as shown inFIG. 3A , is positioned betweenmembers 14 formingmast 10. As is well-known to those skilled in the art,coiled tubing injector 34 typically comprises a series of blocks, sprockets or like grippers driven by endless chains or belts, shown in phantom as 39, and which grab the coiledtubing 30 and force it downwardly in the direction of arrow A when it is being injected into a well and move it upwardly in the direction of arrow B when it is being removed from the well. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3 A, atop drive 36 is mounted onmast 10 betweenmembers 14 for longitudinal movement therealong in either the direction of arrow A or arrow B. Typically,top drive 36 is mounted on a track system, indicated as 15, which is affixed tomembers 14. It will be recognized, however, thattop drive 36 could be suspended in other fashions other than thetrack system 15 such that it could be longitudinally moved alongmast 10.Top drive 36 is moved longitudinally alongmast 10 by a hoisting system comprised of a winch or draw works mounted onplatform 18 and one ormore cables 40 which run through a crownblock sheave assembly 16 a located at the top ofmast 10. Thecables 40 pass through or bycoiled tubing injector 34 and are attached totop drive 36 in a well-known manner whereby draw works 38 can selectively raisetop drive 36 upwardly alongmast 10 or lowertop drive 36 downwardly alongmast 10, i.e., in the directions of arrows A and B, respectively. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , the top drive serves as an elevator for thecoiled tubing injector 34, in that movement of the coiledtubing injector 34 longitudinally along themast 10 is effected by movement of thetop drive 36. In this regard, as noted, thecables 40 run through or alongside coiledtubing injector 34 and are attached to thetop drive 36 in the well-known manner. It will be understood however that, while more complicated,coiled tubing injector 34 could be moved independently alongmast 10 by a separate draw works or winch. However, the apparatus of the present invention is vastly simplified by using thetop drive 36 as an elevator to effect longitudinal movement ofcoiled tubing injector 34. - As seen in
FIG. 1 ,top drive 36 has anopening 37 extending longitudinally therethrough for a purpose to be described hereafter. While theopening 37 has been described as extending longitudinally through thetop drive 36, it is conceivable that a top drive unit could be designed such that the opening was not through the top drive but rather was an opening in the form of a slot on the side of the top drive. Obviously, such a top drive would be more complicated in construction and might have to accommodate lateral movement such that when the top drive was being used it was aligned with the vertical axis of the borehole, but when the tubing injector was being used, the tubing issuing therefrom would also be aligned with the vertical axis of the borehole. Accordingly, the phrases “longitudinally therethrough”, “therethrough”, or “through” with respect to the opening in the top drive is intended to include slots or other formations in the top drive which permit the coiled tubing injector to be positioned above the top drive and the coiled tubing maintained in line with the vertical axis of the wellbore. A suitable top drive for use in the apparatus of the present invention is a Foremost Model F-100T. The Foremost Model F-100T is a hydraulic top drive system and is commercially available. As in the case with other top drive systems, the Model F-100T is provided with hydraulically actuated bails to assist in picking up or laying down tubulars and includes a hydraulically actuated tong assembly mounted on the top drive to assist in breakout/make-up of the drill string or other tubular downhole strings. - It will be appreciated that when, as in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 ,top drive 36 is serving as an elevator forcoiled tubing injector 34, provision could be made to have a platform, cradle or the like upon whichcoiled tubing injector 34 would rest, the platform in turn resting ontop drive 36. In any event, it will be appreciated that there are a variety of ways in which the coiledtubing injector 34 can be positioned abovetop drive 36, such thattop drive 36 can serve as an elevator fortop drive 34. For example, while as shown inFIG. 1 coiledtubing injector 34 andtop drive 36 are basically adjacent one another, it is contemplated that some axial spacing could be accommodated, if necessary, consistent with having enough longitudinal length alongmast 10 fortop drive 36 to act independently when necessary. Such a situation would occur, for example, whentop drive 36 was being used to drill a surface borehole, run casing, etc. In any event, it will be appreciated that withcoiled tubing injector 34 positioned abovetop drive 36, and withtop drive 36 having anopening 37 extending longitudinally therethrough, coiledtubing 30 from coiledtubing injector 34 can be passed throughtop drive 36 in which event top drive 36 would be basically inoperative save for its function as serving as an elevator forcoiled tubing injector 34. - Turning now to
FIG. 2 , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the coiledtubing injector 34 is mounted on the crown of themast 10 such that it is not longitudinally movable along themast 10, but is still abovetop drive 36 such that, as in the case of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , coiledtubing 30 frominjector 34 passes through theopening 37 intop drive 36. - The present invention provides a universal rig which can selectively handle and run different types of pipe, coiled tubing, and other earth borehole equipment thereby eliminating the need for two rigs—one rig to use a top drive in the conventional manner and a separate coiled tubing injector unit to perform coiled tubing operations. Thus, in the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the coiledtubing injector 34 is being used to manipulate coiledtubing 30, the coiledtubing 30 passing through thetop drive 36, thetop drive 36 being basically in an inoperative position vis-a-vis manipulating tubular components, components of bottom hole assemblies or the like. However, and as noted above, in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ,top drive 36 does serve the purpose of being an elevator forcoiled tubing injector 34. - Turning now to
FIG. 3 , there is shown an embodiment of the present invention wherein the coiledtubing injector 34 is basically in an inoperative position while thetop drive 36 is being operated to manipulate tubular components. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , the coiledtubing injector 34 is moved to thecrown 16 of themast 10 and is held in that position by a latching or locking mechanism as, for example, one or more pins 43 (seeFIG. 3A ) which are operatively mounted inmast 10 and which can be selectively operated, electrically, hydraulically or in any other suitable fashion, to engagecoiled tubing injector 34 or a cradle therefor and hold it in that position. It will also be understood that a plurality of such latching or locking mechanisms can be spaced longitudinally alongmast 10 such thatcoiled tubing injector 34 can be held at a variety of desired, longitudinally spaced locations alongmast 10. It will also be appreciated that provision could be made to use a screw mechanism extending longitudinally alongmembers 14 which could selectively engage or disengageinjector 34 to continuously or incrementally move coiledtubing injector 34 alongmast 10 rather than having longitudinally spaced latching mechanisms such as the use ofpins 43. In any event, withcoiled tubing injector 34 temporarily locked in the position shown inFIG. 3 , i.e., atcrown 16, thetop drive 36 can now perform operations typically performed by a top drive such as, for example, manipulating a tubular component such ascasing 42 brought in through the V-door 44 as is common in typical oilfield operations. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention would be provided with elevators and other components normally used to manipulate downhole components, e.g., pipe, as for example, to grip the pipe or other downhole component and move it to a position where it could be engaged and subsequently manipulated by the top drive. Thus, using the apparatus of the present invention in the manner depicted inFIG. 3 , thetubing injector 34 would be inoperative whiletop drive 36 would be operative. This ability to selectively use the top drive and the injector independently of one another is clearly advantageous in terms of saving cost and time. - With reference now to
FIG. 4 , there is shown a slightly different embodiment wherein the draw works 38 is mounted on themast 10, thecables 40 running through thecrown block 16 a in thecrown 16 and down to thetop drive 36. It will be appreciated that in cases, such as the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 , wherein the draw works 38 is mounted on the mast, the draw works could be removably mounted, carried on a trolley, hingedly attached or the like, such that, for transportation purposes, the draw works could basically be moved to a position that it did not extend above the mast when the mast was lowered to the horizontal, transportation position. As shown inFIG. 4 , extending fromcoiled tubing injector 34, is atelescoping lubricator 44,lubricator 44 facilitating connection or disconnection of coiledtubing 30 with a bottom hole assembly. As is well known to those skilled in the art, lubricator 44 can be extended or contracted using a lubricator winch (not shown). - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , there is shown still another, modified embodiment of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1 wherein the draw works 38, as in the case of the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 , is mounted on themast 10. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5 , thetop drive 36 and theinjector 34 have been moved to the lowermost position, i.e., adjacent rotary table 24, and in this position,top drive 36 would be essentially inoperative andcoiled tubing injector 34 would be operative to perform downhole operations such as drilling, workovers, etc. Additionally, and as can be seen,mast 10 can be pivoted relative to thebase 12 by a pivoting assembly (not shown) to a position depicted in phantom inFIG. 5 . Thus, it can be seen that themast 10 can be lowered off vertical to operate at any operating angle between the horizontal and vertical to permit off-vertical drilling. It would also be understood that in cases where off-angle well operations were being performed, reorientation of the rotary table and other component would have to be accommodated. Additionally using a pivoting connection between themast 10 and thebase 12 allows themast 10 to be lowered to a substantially horizontal position for purposes of moving the apparatus to another location ifbase 12 comprises a wheeled carrier which is either self-propelled or can be pulled by a motorized vehicle, a skid or the like, etc. - As noted above, the apparatus of the present invention is universal in the sense that the same rig carries a coiled tubing injector to manipulate coiled tubing and a top drive to manipulate jointed pipe or other downhole components, the injector and the top drive being selectively, independently operable to perform their customary functions. Additionally, the universal nature of the apparatus of the present invention is attested to by the fact that when the top drive is being used to manipulate a downhole component, e.g., a string of pipe, such as casing, tubing, drill pipe, etc., the coiled tubing injector can be simultaneously used to inject coiled tubing through the top drive into the string of pipe to perform an operation as, for example, freeing the pipe string if it is stuck or to some other downhole operation.
- The present invention also provides an efficient apparatus to cooperatively use the coiled tubing injector and the top drive. In this regard and referring to
FIG. 6 , thetop drive 36 is shown in a position displaced axially up from the rotary table 24, the injector being positioned at the crown as shown inFIG. 3 . In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 , the rotary table 24 is suspending adownhole motor 50 on the end of which is connected to adrill bit 52. As can be seen, the threadedbox end 54 of the downhole motor 50 (or a component attached to the downhole motor 50), is in a position to receive the threadedpin 56 of a seconddownhole component 58 which can be a part of a bottom hole assembly or alternatively, a conventional tubular member. To connectpin 56 withbox 54,top drive 36 is lowered untilpin 56 is received inbox 54. At this point, with the rotary table 24 holding thedownhole motor 50 fixed against either rotation or longitudinal movement,top drive 36 can be rotated tothread pin 56 intobox 54. Alternatively, it will be understood thattop drive 36 could be used to holdcomponent 58 against rotation while it was slowly being lowered and the rotary table 24 could be used to rotate thedownhole motor 50 which again would cause threaded engagement betweenpin 56 andbox 54. As noted, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 ,component 58 could be part of a string of pipe wherein a plurality of joints of pipe are successively connected together, the portion of the pipe string suspended in the rotary table 24 being released and lowered as each successive joint of pipe is connected whereby eventually the entire string is lowered into the borehole.FIG. 6 also depicts a method of making up and connecting a complete bottom hole assembly to the end of the coiled tubing from the coiledtubing injector 34. Thus with the assembly shown inFIG. 6 , once a complete bottom hole assembly, e.g., drill bit, downhole motor, drill collars, logging equipment, sensors, etc., is made up, the end of the coiled tubing and the uppermost member of the complete bottom hole assembly could be operatively engaged using intergaging latching mechanisms whereby the coiled tubing could be latched into the uppermost member of the complete bottom hole assembly and, when the bottom hole assembly is retrieved unlatched, if desired. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7 and 7 A, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention wherein, as an alternative, telescoping hydraulic cylinder systems are used to move the top drive longitudinally along the mast. The apparatus shown inFIGS. 7 and 7 A might be utilized when themast 10 was unusually long, e.g., on an offshore platform and in a situation where thetop drive 36 was manipulating longer strings of jointed pipe that would result in greater loading that might make a draw works lifting system such as shown in the embodiments described above, impractical or at least require a larger winch, more and heavier cables, etc. As can be seen fromFIG. 7 , the system depicted inFIGS. 7 and 7 A has no draw works. Additionally, thebase 12 hassupport legs 60 located generally underplatform 36 to support the extra weight occasioned by the hydraulic cylinder system employed and any additional loading from the mast, pipe being handled, etc. It would be appreciated that theleg 60 could be selectively extended and retracted as desired. The hydraulic cylinder systems shown generally as 62 can be made in a four-stage cylinder design comprised ofcylinders lower cylinder 64. It is well known to those skilled in the art, that the cylinder systems would be operated using suitable pumps, hoses, accumulators (are not shown) well known to those skilled in the art. Thehydraulic cylinder systems 62 are mounted on aplatform 72 formed onbase 12. It will be understood that with the use of the hydraulic cylinders and the increased weight, and if thebase 12 was part of a wheeled carrier, as described above, the various portions of thebase 12, particularlyplatform 72 would be built to accommodate the additional weight and the downward force exerted on the base 12 when the cylinder systems were in a lifting position such as shown inFIG. 7 . As a practical matter, the apparatus shown inFIGS. 7 and 7 A is more ideally suited to use on a base or sub-structure such as on an offshore platform that can easily accommodate heavy loads or downward forces. However, for purposes only of depicting the use of a hydraulic cylinder system(s) as a lifting or hoisting device for thetop drive 36, thehydraulic cylinder system 62 has been shown as mounted on a wheeled carrier. - As can be seen particularly with reference to
FIG. 7A , there could be two of suchhydraulic cylinder systems 62, one each positioned adjacent, generally on the inside, ofmembers 14 formingmast 10. Referring then toFIG. 7 , theuppermost cylinders 70 are connected toplates 80 that in turn are generally releasably connected totop drive 36. As shown,plates 80 ontop drive 36 are connected, via a nut and bolt arrangement or some other selectively releasable mechanism, to aflange 82 connected to coiledtubing unit 34. In this configuration, movement of thehydraulic cylinder systems 62 would effect movement of both the coiledtubing unit 34 and thetop drive 36. However, if the nut and boltcombinations 81 were removed,top drive 36 could now be moved independently of coiledtubing injector 34 by thehydraulic cylinder systems 62 and, for example,coil tubing unit 34 could be latched or locked to the uppermost portion of themast 10 below thecrown 16 as, for example, by latchingpins 43 such as shown inFIG. 3 a. - As noted above, the system of the present invention positions the coiled tubing injector in the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing issuing from the coiled tubing injector passes through the top drive. As further noted above, the coiled tubing need not move directly through any opening in the top drive but can move in slots or other openings along the side of the top drive. It is also contemplated that the top drive, albeit normally positioned below the coiled tubing injector, could be moved to one side or another in a lateral or transverse direction relative to the mast such that the coiled tubing injector remained in line with the wellbore while the top drive was out of alignment with the wellbore. Thus, the coiled tubing injector and the top drive could be temporarily in a side-by-side arrangement. This arrangement is particularly useful in relatively small rigs using relatively large diameter coiled tubing, e.g., 3″. It will be understood, as described above, that normally a lubricator (see
FIG. 4 ) will be employed when coiled tubing injector is connected to a bottom hole assembly. Referring then toFIGS. 8 and 9 , there is shown one embodiment of the present invention wherein the coiled tubing injector can be releasably, fixedly positioned at a desired point along the mast and the top drive parked or moved laterally relative to the coiled tubing injector such that coiled tubing issuing from the coiled tubing injector passes alongside the top drive into the earth borehole. Each offrame members 14 ofmast 10 is provided with amast track 100 upon whichcoiled tubing injector 39 andtop drive 36 travel longitudinally therealong. Each of mast tracks 100 has operatively connected thereto a spur track orrail 102 which extends transversely frommast tracks 100 toplatform 26 or at least some distance laterally displaced from mast tracks 100. As shown inFIG. 8 ,top drive 36 is in the position acting as an elevator forcoiled tubing injector 39 carried ontop drive 36, the combination of the coiledtubing injector 39 andtop drive 36 being positioned generally half way along theframe members 14 formingmast 10. As was described above,top drive 36 is free to move longitudinally along mast tracks 100 substantially from rotary table 24 to a desired upper position when coiledtubing injector 39 is positioned and releasably fixed inmast 10proximate crown 16. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 ,coiled tubing injector 39 is shown as being releasably, fixedly held inmast 10 in a manner described above, whiletop drive 36 is now positioned in the lower portion ofmast 10 but laterally displaced frommast 10,coiled tubing injector 39 and theaxis 106 of the wellbore. To accomplish this,coiled tubing injector 39 is releasably fixed inmast 10 at the location shown inFIG. 9 .Top drive 36, as described, can move downwardly to apoint 107 where spur tracks 102 operatively intersect mast tracks 100. At this point, aswitching mechanism 104 is activated to divert a trolley or the like on which top drive 36 is sitting onto spur tracks 102 such thattop drive 36 now moves downwardly but tranversely tomast tracks 100 and can then be parked or located at a position where it is out of alignment with thewellbore axis 106. As shown,top drive 36 has been moved relatively close towork surface 26 but it is apparent that it could be positioned higher from the position shown inFIG. 9 , indeed even at least partially in the framework ofmast 10, and still remain out of alignment with theaxis 106 of the wellbore. In any event, once thetop drive 36 is moved laterally relative tocoiled tubing injector 39,coiled tubing injector 39 can then injectcoiled tubing 30 through rotary table 34 and into the wellbore, the coiled tubing passing alongsidetop drive 36. It will also be appreciated that in the event coiledtubing injector 39 is provided with a separate hoisting mechanism as previously described, it could be moved alongmast 10 independently of any movement oftop drive 36. In any event,top drive 36 still serves as an elevator forcoiled tubing injector 39 which can be positioned at a desired location in themast 10 first, following which the top drive, if desired, can be moved into a laterally displaced position as shown inFIG. 9 . The terms “operatively connected,” “operatively intersect” or similar term with respect to the spur tracks 102 and mast tracks 100 is intended to mean that the two track systems are interrelated to the extent that thetop drive 36 can be switched frommast tracks 100 to spurtracks 102 or vice versa. -
Switching mechanism 104 can be any one of well known switching mechanisms used in track conveying systems to selectively switch a trolley or similar conveying device moving along a first track system to a second track system. Such switching systems can be mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic, etc. It will also be appreciated that such switching mechanisms can be activated manually or automatically such that when, in this case,top drive 36 reaches a certain position, i.e., at the juncture or intersection ofspur tracks 102 andmast tracks 100, the switching system has been set in an automatic mode to move the top drive frommast tracks 100 to spurtracks 102. - It is well known in the art that top drives used in oil and gas drilling and well servicing operations are commonly carried by a so-called integrated split block arrangement. In a split block arrangement, a frame having laterally spaced side members is provided with one or more sheaves on each of the spaced side members, each of the sheaves being connected by cables to a suitable crown block. The use of these split block arrangements reduces stack-up as is common in simple traveling block assemblies. Such a split block arrangement is ideally suited for use in the present invention to carry the top drive, the coiled tubing injector being positioned on a platform, cradle or the like which would rest on the top drive. In this manner, the split block assembly essentially forming part of the top drive, as described above, would act as an elevator for the coiled tubing injector. Typical of split block arrangements used in conjunction with top drives is the T75/T100 series of top drives manufactured and sold by TESCO Corporation as can be seen at www.tescocorp.com.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 10-13 , there is shown a split block assembly for use in carrying the top drive used in the present invention.Frame members 14 ofmast 10 are provided with longitudinally extendingtracks side frame member 112, a second, laterally spacedside frame member 114, a firstcross frame member 16 and a second, laterally spacedcross frame member 118,members members bail 120. Bail 120 is also pivotally attached totop drive 36 as shown at 122. A piston-cylinder assembly 124 has one end of the cylinder pivotally attached as at 125 to framemember 118, thepivot point 125 being laterally displaced towardside member 112 relative to thepivot point 121. Reciprocally extending out of the cylinder of piston-cylinder assembly 124 is apiston rod 126 which has one end pivotally attached at 122 tobail 120. -
Side member 112 has attached theretosheaves side member 110 has attached theretosheaves Cables sheaves tracks mast 10 formed byframe members 14. To this end,roller assemblies side frame member 112, whileroller assemblies side frame 110. As shown,roller assemblies track 108 whileroller assemblies track 109. - As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 ,top drive 36 is suspended below frame F so as to be positioned generally centrally betweenside frame members wellbore axis 106. - Referring now to
FIGS. 12 and 13 , thetop drive 36 is shown as being displaced laterally off of the axis of thewellbore 106. To accomplish this, hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly 124 is activated to retractpiston 126 which results inbail 120 pivoting aroundpivot point 121 movingtop drive 36 towardtrack 108. Piston-cylinder assembly 124 can be hydraulic, pneumatic and it will be appreciated that any number of mechanisms can be used to movebail 120 and hence top drive 36 between the positions shown inFIGS. 11 and 13 , i.e., from a position wheretop drive 36 is generally over center of theaxis 106 of the wellbore to a position, as shown inFIG. 13 , where it is moved laterally with respect to theaxis 106. While the use of only one piston-cylinder assembly 124 is shown, as a practical matter two such assemblies would be used, one being attached to crossmember 118 as shown, the other being attached to crossmember 116. It will be apparent that piston-cylinder assembly 124 can be attached to frame F on the side nearesttrack 109 such thattop drive 36 would now be moved to the left ofwellbore axis 106 as viewed inFIG. 13 . The arrangement shown inFIGS. 11 and 13 is as seen from the V-door side of the drilling rig (seeFIG. 3 ). Although perhaps somewhat more complicated, an arrangement similar to that shown inFIGS. 11-13 could be used to move the top drive laterally either towards the V-door or towards the trailer upon whichspool 28 is mounted. - Referring now to
FIGS. 14-17 , there is shown an embodiment of the present invention wherein the coiled tubing injector can be moved to the top of the mast and pivoted at least 90° so as to provide more vertical working space in the mast when the top drive is in use. The apparatus, shown generally as 200, comprises a mast shown generally as 202 which as seen inFIG. 15 is comprised of a pair of spaced,elongate frame members crown 208 carrying a crown block assembly as described above and as is well known in the art. Preferably,mast 202 is pivotally connected to abase 210, e.g., in the form of a wheeled trailer, such thatmast 202 can be pivoted to a generally horizontal position for transportation purposes. Mounted onwheeled trailer 210 is areel 212 of coiled tubing from whichcoiled tubing 214 can be played out.Coiled tubing 214 passes through a guide orgooseneck 216 and then into coiledtubing injector 218. - As seen particularly in
FIGS. 14 and 15 ,top drive 220 is located generally midway ofmast 202,coiled tubing 214 being injected via coiledtubing injector 218 through a rotary table shown generally as 222, into a wellhead,tubing 214 passing throughtop drive 220 as described above. -
Coiled tubing injector 218 is mounted on a carrier frame shown generally as 224,carrier frame 224 comprising a pair of pillow blocks 226 and 228 which are operatively connected to framemembers coiled tubing injector 218 by means offrame 224 can move longitudinally alongmast 202 on suitable tracks or the like mounted to theframe members Coiled tubing injector 218 is secured to or rotatably mounted on ashaft 230, one end of which is received inpillow block 226, the other end being received inpillow block 228. In the case wherecoiled tubing injector 218 is fixedly secured toshaft 230,shaft 230 would be rotatably journaled in pillow blocks 226 and 228, suitable bearings being provided as is known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, if coiledtubing injector 218 is rotatably mounted onshaft 230, thenshaft 230 could be fixedly secured in pillow blocks 226 and 228. In either event,coiled tubing injector 218 is pivotally secured toframe 224. In the embodiment shown, coiledtubing injector 218 is fixedly secured toshaft 230. - A pair of pistons/
cylinder assemblies coiled tubing injector 218 and pillow blocks 226 and 228, respectively. As can be seen, with respect to piston/cylinder assembly 232,piston rod 235 is pivotally connected at 236 by a clevis or other suitable connector to coiledtubing injector 218. The other end of the piston/cylinder assembly 232 is likewise pivotally connected as at 237 topillow block 226 or for that matter any other portion ofcarrier frame 224 which is not rotatable or pivotable relative tomast 202. For example, if coiledtubing injector 218 was rotatably mounted onshaft 230 such thatshaft 230 was fixedly secured in pillow blocks 226 and 228, then the piston/cylinder assemblies could be secured toshaft 230. As can be seen inFIG. 14 ,piston cylinder assemblies coiled tubing injector 218. Accordingly, ifpiston rod 235, shown in its fully extended position inFIGS. 14 and 15 , is now retracted, there will be a vector of force generally in the direction of arrow A which will tend to pivotcoiled tubing injector 218 around an axis passing throughshaft 230. The end result is depicted inFIGS. 16 and 17 wherein coiledtubing injector 218 has been pivoted such that it is now substantially perpendicular tomast 202, i.e., to elongateframe members FIGS. 16 and 17 , withpiston cylinder assemblies coiled tubing injector 218 has been moved 90° from a position where the coiledtubing injector 218 and hence coiledtubing 214 passing therethrough is substantially in line with rotary table 222 and hence the wellhead to a position, as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17 , wherein the coiledtubing injector 218 is substantially perpendicular to an axis passing through rotary table 222. - As can also be seen from
FIGS. 16 and 17 , by pivoting coiledtubing injector 218 to the position shown,top drive 220 now has additional vertical space above the rotary table 222. This allowsmast 202 to be more compact in terms of its height. In this regard it will be appreciated that, depending upon the size of coiledtubing injector 218, the arrangement shown inFIGS. 14-17 permits another 2 to 18 feet of vertical head space inmast 202 allowingtop drive 220 to move to a greater height inmast 202 than would be possible if coiledtubing injector 218 was confined to the position shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 . Ideally, the pivot axis ofcoiled tubing injector 218 is as far up as practical, i.e., towards the top of coiledtubing injector 218, so as to achieve the maximum vertical head space inmast 202. - Suitable piston/cylinder assemblies useful in the embodiment described in
FIGS. 14-17 and methods of connecting the same to suitable sources of hydraulic or pneumatic power are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in any detail here. - Referring now to
FIGS. 18-20 , there is shown a variation of the embodiment of the invention depicted inFIGS. 14-17 , wherein the coiled tubing injector can be moved from a position where the coiled tubing injector is in line with the rotary table/wellhead to a position where the coiled tubing injector is out of line substantially 90°, with e.g., the wellhead. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 18-21 , thereel 212 of coiled tubing in conjunction with thecoiled tubing 214 is used to rotatecoiled tubing injector 218 from the position shown inFIG. 18 to the position shown inFIG. 20 . In this regard,coiled tubing injector 218, as in the case of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 14-17 , is pivotally mounted on aframe 224 which in turn is longitudinally movable along the length ofmast 202. In the position shown inFIGS. 18 and 19 ,coiled tubing injector 218 is in operation,coiled tubing 214 being played off ofreel 212 throughtop drive 220 and into the wellhead through rotary table 222. In this situation, and as will be appreciated, reel 212 is rotating in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow B. - Turning now to
FIGS. 20 and 21 , once it is desired to rotatecoiled tubing injector 218 from a position in line with the wellhead, i.e., through rotary table 222, to the position shown inFIGS. 20 and 21 , thecoiled tubing 214 which is held or can be held by any convenient means incoiled tubing injector 218, is now reeled back ontoreel 212, reel 212 now rotating in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by arrow C. In this manner, the coiledtubing injector 218, secured toshaft 230 which in turn is rotatably journaled injournal boxes shaft 230 to the position shown inFIGS. 20 and 21 . At this point,top drive 220 can then be moved to the desired location inmast 220, to manipulate a piece ofjointed pipe 240 or other tubular member. - It will be appreciated that in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 14-17 , thepiston cylinder assemblies FIGS. 16 and 17 by methods well know to those skilled in the art. In the case of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 18-21 , a locking pin, as described above, or other latching mechanism can be used to holdcoiled tubing injector 218 in the position shown inFIGS. 16 and 17 . Indeed, it will be appreciated that any number of techniques and apparatuses can be used to maintain coiled tubing injector in the pivoted positions shown inFIGS. 16 and 20 . - While two methods of pivoting
coil tubing injector 218 have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other devices such as rotary actuators, gearing arrangements, winch systems, etc., can be employed. - The “carrier frame” on which
coiled tubing injector 218 is pivotally mounted can comprise any assemblage of components which alone or together with other operating mechanisms will (a) allow coiledtubing injector 218 to be pivoted, and (b) allow coiledtubing injector 218 to be moved longitudinally along the mast. - As thus seen from the description above, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in a manner wherein only the top drive is operative, the coiled tubing injector being positioned, for example, at a point above the top drive, e.g., at the top of the mast adjacent the crown and being inoperative. Alternatively, the top drive can be moved to a lowered position on the mast, e.g., at or near the rotary table with the coiled tubing injector being carried by the top drive, the coiled tubing injector continuously injecting tubing into the earth borehole to perform a variety of operations. In this latter mode, the top drive is essentially inoperative save for the fact that it carries the coiled tubing injector and can still serve as an elevator for the coiled tubing injector. In any event all in embodiments, the coiled tubing injector, the top drive and the rotary table are on axes that are substantially coincident or can be made coincident with the wellbore.
- The word “base” or “substructure” as used herein is intended to mean any structure, be it portable or fixed, whether on land or offshore, to which the mast can be fixedly, pivotally or removably attached, which will support the mast and the attendant equipment used in the apparatus of the present invention, including the coiled tubing spool, attendant motors, winches or draw works, and any other equipment commonly used either with (a) coiled tubing injectors, or (b) top drives.
- The apparatus of the present invention can be used to accomplish numerous different earth borehole operations. In the case of employing the coiled tubing injector, the apparatus can be used to drill using downhole mud motors, such drilling being both directional and straight hole. Additionally, coiled tubing can be used in various completion operations such as fracturing; acidizing; cleanouts; fishing operations; using coiled tubing as a velocity string, etc. The coiled tubing can also be run as production tubing. With respect to typical top drive operations, conventional drilling can be done, casing can be run, and completion operations as described above with respect of coiled tubing can also be accomplished. Additionally, the top drive can be used to run conventional production tubing.
- In general, the apparatus of the present invention permits every earth borehole operation that can be done in oil and gas well drilling using either a top drive or a coiled tubing unit.
- A distinct advantage of the apparatus of the present invention when compared with prior art, so-called universal systems such as disclosed in U.S. Publication 2004/0206551, is the ability to perform simultaneous operations with both the coiled tubing injector and the top drive. In this regard, in the prior art universal systems it is necessary, when using the top drive, to move the coiled tubing injector laterally out of alignment from the borehole and vice versa. With the apparatus of the present invention, since the coiled tubing injector remains positioned in line with the top drive and the borehole, in the event, for example, that operations with the top drive are being performed, e.g., running casing, and the casing sticks, using the apparatus of the present invention, coiled tubing can be run down through the top drive into the casing to assist in freeing the casing. It will be apparent that other situations can occur where it would be necessary to quickly inject coiled tubing down through the top drive and through a tubular string or other downhole component being manipulated by the top drive to effect some downhole operation. This, of course, cannot be accomplished with the prior art, so-called universal systems since, as noted, only one of the top drive or the coiled tubing injector can be positioned in alignment with the wellbore at any given time.
- In the above description, the word “mounted” has been used with respect to the interrelationship between various components of the apparatus as, for example, the relation of the mast to the top drive and/or the coiled tubing injector. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the word “mounted”, or variants thereof, in addition to its usual meaning, is intended to include meanings such as “positioned”, “positioned on”, “carried by”, “carried on”, “carried”, “sitting on”, “resting on”, or any other similar term. In other words, the word “mounted”, or variants thereof, is not necessarily limited to meaning “affixed”, “affixed to”, “attached to”, “attached”, “secured to” or other words or phrases carrying a similar meaning. Thus, for example, references in the description above to the coiled tubing injector being “mounted on the mast” are intended to include situations wherein the coiled tubing injector is positioned adjacent to the mast or positioned relative to the mast, all with the goal of achieving a scenario wherein the coiled tubing injector, when injecting coiled tubing, is above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive from a position above the top drive.
- It will be understood, that the present invention is not limited to the use in oilfield operations but can be used in water well drilling, mining operations, in drilling injection wells, etc. Also, as noted above, the apparatus of the present invention is not limited to land earth borehole operations but can be used, as well, on offshore drilling and production platforms.
- The foregoing description and examples illustrate selected embodiments of the present invention. In light thereof, variations and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, all of which are in the spirit and purview of this invention.
Claims (71)
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/198,475 US20060231268A1 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-08-05 | Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations |
US11/300,842 US7810554B2 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-12-15 | System, method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
CA002533725A CA2533725C (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2006-01-23 | Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations |
US11/378,498 US8627896B2 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2006-03-17 | System, method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
PCT/IB2006/002697 WO2007007204A2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2006-04-12 | Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations |
CA2547167A CA2547167C (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2006-05-17 | System, method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
US12/910,921 US8074710B2 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2010-10-25 | System for conducting earth borehole operations |
US13/315,938 US8397801B2 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2011-12-09 | System, method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/107,183 US20060231269A1 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-04-15 | Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations |
US11/149,673 US7845398B2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-06-10 | Apparatus for performing earth borehole operations |
US11/198,475 US20060231268A1 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-08-05 | Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations |
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US11/149,673 Continuation-In-Part US7845398B2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-06-10 | Apparatus for performing earth borehole operations |
US11/155,056 Continuation-In-Part US7516798B2 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-06-17 | Coiled tubing transport system and method |
US11/165,931 Continuation-In-Part US7182140B2 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-06-24 | Coiled tubing/top drive rig and method |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/300,842 Continuation-In-Part US7810554B2 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-12-15 | System, method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060231268A1 true US20060231268A1 (en) | 2006-10-19 |
Family
ID=37114183
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/198,475 Abandoned US20060231268A1 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-08-05 | Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060231268A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2533725C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007007204A2 (en) |
Cited By (13)
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US20070125551A1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2007-06-07 | Richard Havinga | Method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
US20080308281A1 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2008-12-18 | Boutwell Jr Doyle Frederic | Control line running system |
US7549468B2 (en) | 2005-12-13 | 2009-06-23 | Foremost Industries Ltd. | Coiled tubing injector system |
WO2013191732A2 (en) * | 2012-06-21 | 2013-12-27 | Superior Energy Services | Mobile rig and method |
US20160060965A1 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-03 | Reginald Waye Layden | Apparatus and methods for downhole tool deployment for well drilling and other well operations |
WO2019004837A1 (en) * | 2017-06-28 | 2019-01-03 | National Oilwell Varco Norway As | Drilling system and method |
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US10774642B1 (en) * | 2019-05-05 | 2020-09-15 | Liaoning University | Hydraulic support unit and hydraulic support for anti-rock burst roadway |
US10995563B2 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2021-05-04 | Minex Crc Ltd | Rotary drill head for coiled tubing drilling apparatus |
CN112850342A (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2021-05-28 | 吕鸣 | Cable transportation device for communication construction and transportation method thereof |
CN113006711A (en) * | 2020-12-29 | 2021-06-22 | 大庆石油管理局有限公司 | Top drive control method and device, system electronic equipment and storage medium |
US11248422B2 (en) | 2018-09-26 | 2022-02-15 | Nabors Drilling Technologies Usa, Inc. | System for guiding a tubular during subterranean drilling operations |
JP7395168B1 (en) * | 2023-10-26 | 2023-12-11 | 株式会社トラバース | Hoses winder and soil improvement machine for soil improvement materials |
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WO2008068546A1 (en) * | 2006-12-08 | 2008-06-12 | Xtreme Coil Drilling Corp. | Method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
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US20070125551A1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2007-06-07 | Richard Havinga | Method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
US8191637B2 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2012-06-05 | Xtreme Coil Drilling Corp. | Method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations |
US7549468B2 (en) | 2005-12-13 | 2009-06-23 | Foremost Industries Ltd. | Coiled tubing injector system |
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US20160060965A1 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-03 | Reginald Waye Layden | Apparatus and methods for downhole tool deployment for well drilling and other well operations |
US9624741B2 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2017-04-18 | Raptor Rig Ltd. | Apparatus and methods for downhole tool deployment for well drilling and other well operations |
US10196868B2 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2019-02-05 | Raptor Rig Coil, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for downhole tool deployment for well drilling and other well operations |
US10995563B2 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2021-05-04 | Minex Crc Ltd | Rotary drill head for coiled tubing drilling apparatus |
US11136837B2 (en) | 2017-01-18 | 2021-10-05 | Minex Crc Ltd | Mobile coiled tubing drilling apparatus |
WO2019004837A1 (en) * | 2017-06-28 | 2019-01-03 | National Oilwell Varco Norway As | Drilling system and method |
US11448020B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2022-09-20 | National Oilwell Varco Norway As | Drilling system and method |
US11248422B2 (en) | 2018-09-26 | 2022-02-15 | Nabors Drilling Technologies Usa, Inc. | System for guiding a tubular during subterranean drilling operations |
US10774642B1 (en) * | 2019-05-05 | 2020-09-15 | Liaoning University | Hydraulic support unit and hydraulic support for anti-rock burst roadway |
CN111552047A (en) * | 2020-06-15 | 2020-08-18 | 新三科技有限公司 | Wall pipeline optical cable laying method |
CN113006711A (en) * | 2020-12-29 | 2021-06-22 | 大庆石油管理局有限公司 | Top drive control method and device, system electronic equipment and storage medium |
CN112850342A (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2021-05-28 | 吕鸣 | Cable transportation device for communication construction and transportation method thereof |
JP7395168B1 (en) * | 2023-10-26 | 2023-12-11 | 株式会社トラバース | Hoses winder and soil improvement machine for soil improvement materials |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007007204A2 (en) | 2007-01-18 |
CA2533725A1 (en) | 2006-10-15 |
WO2007007204A3 (en) | 2007-05-03 |
CA2533725C (en) | 2009-05-19 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: XTREME COIL DRILLING CORPORATION, CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WOOD, THOMAS D.;REEL/FRAME:016869/0665 Effective date: 20050804 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
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Owner name: XTREME DRILLING AND COIL SERVICES CORP., CANADA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:XTREME COIL DRILLING CORP.;REEL/FRAME:028260/0368 Effective date: 20120418 |