US20080296063A1 - Low ground pressure and amphibious coring system - Google Patents
Low ground pressure and amphibious coring system Download PDFInfo
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- US20080296063A1 US20080296063A1 US12/128,363 US12836308A US2008296063A1 US 20080296063 A1 US20080296063 A1 US 20080296063A1 US 12836308 A US12836308 A US 12836308A US 2008296063 A1 US2008296063 A1 US 2008296063A1
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- Prior art keywords
- deck
- substructure
- rig
- pipe
- derrick
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- Abandoned
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- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- MJNIWUJSIGSWKK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Riboflavine 2',3',4',5'-tetrabutanoate Chemical compound CCCC(=O)OCC(OC(=O)CCC)C(OC(=O)CCC)C(OC(=O)CCC)CN1C2=CC(C)=C(C)C=C2N=C2C1=NC(=O)NC2=O MJNIWUJSIGSWKK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002195 synergetic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60F—VEHICLES FOR USE BOTH ON RAIL AND ON ROAD; AMPHIBIOUS OR LIKE VEHICLES; CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES
- B60F3/00—Amphibious vehicles, i.e. vehicles capable of travelling both on land and on water; Land vehicles capable of travelling under water
- B60F3/0007—Arrangement of propulsion or steering means on amphibious vehicles
- B60F3/0015—Arrangement of propulsion or steering means on amphibious vehicles comprising tracks specially adapted therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/14—Racks, ramps, troughs or bins, for holding the lengths of rod singly or connected; Handling between storage place and borehole
- E21B19/15—Racking of rods in horizontal position; Handling between horizontal and vertical position
Definitions
- the invention relates to apparatus and methodology for obtaining subterranean core samples, more particularly for drilling apparatus which exert low ground pressure and having synergistic adaptations related thereto.
- Embodiments of the invention relate to low ground pressure or to amphibious capable equipment for accessing sensitive environments year around, including after the winter thaw.
- the apparatus of the invention imposes less than one-half the pressure of the human foot and use of environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids, in a substantially all-hydraulic rig, minimize risk.
- Embodiments of the invention relate to equipment which can be transported to the sensitive areas on conventional transports and within restrictions including weight and size. Accordingly, components of the equipment which are oversize when erected for operation, can be collapsed or pivoted to a low profile, such as for hauling on a low-boy trailer.
- Embodiments of the invention further relate to equipment which can adapt to uneven terrain, without extraneous leveling jacks or blocking.
- the low-ground profile or amphibious equipment includes an articulated platform which can be leveled relative to the equipment's mobile base.
- an amphibious coring apparatus for operations on ground including wetlands comprising: a rig deck; a substructure supporting mobile, low ground pressure, wetland-engaging ground components; and an articulation interface between the rig deck and substructure for leveling the rig deck.
- the articulation interface can be stabilized with lateral and longitudinal bars.
- the apparatus of the current invention enables drilling over wetlands in all seasons.
- a method for drilling in wetlands comprising: moving an amphibious, low ground pressure coring apparatus onto the wetlands supported on wetland-engaging ground components, and articulating a rig deck relative to the ground components for orienting a derrick for drilling.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention on site and illustrating a transportable drilling/coring apparatus placed adjacent a transportable mud unit;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the transportable drilling/coring apparatus with the plating of the deck removed for viewing the structures therebelow;
- FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the rig with the derrick erected
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the rig of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5A is a front elevation of the derrick illustrating the top drive at the rig deck
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the derrick of FIG. 5A ;
- FIG. 6 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the transportable drilling/coring rig
- FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the rig of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a front, underside and perspective view of a deck, the articulation interface and the substructure having the pontoons removed for improved viewing of the interface
- FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a deck, the articulation interface and the substructure having the pontoons removed for improved viewing of the interface;
- FIG. 11 is an end view of the pipe handler of FIG. 9 illustrating racks on either side of the pipe handler;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mud unit and deck with the pontoons and tracks removed;
- FIG. 14 is a front view of the transportable frame of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of auxiliary transportable unit.
- the rig 10 is amphibious (including land, water, muskeg, big and combinations thereof), comprising: a rig deck 11 and a substructure 12 which supports ground-engaging, motive, ground components M like wheels or tracks.
- the ground components M impose a low ground pressure on the supporting wetland.
- the ground components M of the substructure 12 can comprise pontoons 13 fit with tracks 14 so that the rig 10 is both mobile over soft ground and can be amphibious.
- the tracks 14 can be driven with systems similar to skid-steer equipment. Suitable pontoons, tracks and drive systems can be sourced from Wetland Equipment Company, Inc., Louisiana, USA.
- Full range of motion of the top drive 42 from rig deck 11 to the top 48 of the derrick is accomplished with a cable (not shown), one end of which is fixed such as to the deck 11 , extends over a sheave 49 fit to each rod 47 , and the other end being secured to the top drive dolly 43 .
- the top drive is at the deck 11 .
- the cable passes over the sheave, doubling the displacement of the top drive 42 relative to the rod 47 .
- the top drive travels twice the lineal travel of the rod. Accordingly, extension of rod of 1 ⁇ 2 of the derrick, moves the top drive 42 from the deck 11 to the top 48 of the derrick.
- a drilling derrick 40 is oriented vertically or otherwise oriented for particular operations.
- the derrick 40 is supported by the rig deck 11 , the rig deck is supported on the substructure 12 and the substructure is supported by the substructure's ground components M. Due to uncertain wetland conditions, the orientation of the substructure 12 is less likely to be optimal for the derrick orientation. Accordingly, an articulation interface 15 is employed between the rig deck 11 and substructure 12 for orienting the rig deck 11 , typically oriented to the horizontal for orienting the derrick 40 vertically thereon. Accordingly, articulation interface, or leveling system, operative between the deck and the ground components M enables the unit to be operated on zero-ground disturbance locations including off-level footing.
- the deck 11 is articulated upon the articulation interface 15 , and actuable to level the deck 11 , regardless of an uneven orientation of the substructure and ground components (pontoons 13 and tracks 14 shown).
- the deck 11 is supported above the substructure 12 upon a three or a four point connection.
- the deck 11 can be pivoted on a three-point articulation interface 15 , two points forward and one point rearward wherein one forward point and one rearward point are elevation adjustable. At least two jacks are required; one for side-to-side and one for front-to-back adjustment.
- Three jacks 50 are illustrated for connection to front pivots 51 and rear pivot 52 .
- Two front jacks 50 f, 50 f are located at two laterally spaced front pivots 51 d, 51 d and 51 s, 51 s, at each of the deck 11 and substructure 12 respectively, towards the front of the rig 10 .
- One substantial rear jack 50 r and rear pivot 52 d, 52 s, at each of the deck 11 and substructure 12 respectively, is located towards the rear of the deck 11 .
- the front pivots 51 , 51 are spaced forward of the rear pivot 52 .
- the two front jacks 50 f, 50 f actuate at least side to side leveling and can participate in some front to rear adjustment.
- the rear jack 50 r and the one or more front jacks 50 f, 50 f can actuate front-to-back leveling.
- the rear and front pivots 51 , 52 are distributed under the deck 11 for load distribution to the substructure 12 .
- a four point articulation interface comprises four points of connection, two points forward and two points rearward, and at least forward point and one rearward point being elevation adjustable.
- a pair of lateral stabilizing bars 54 are provided, one forward and one rearward, extending between the deck 11 and the substructure 12 , to ensure the deck 11 stays aligned and stabilized side-to-side over the substructure 12 .
- at least one longitudinal bar 55 is provided to ensure the deck 11 stays aligned front-to-back over the substructure 12 .
- the bars are articulated at each connection, one end to the deck and another end at the substructure.
- the bars are provided in embodiments in which the jacks 50 are highly articulated and additional stabilization is desired.
- an embodiment of the pipe racking system 32 includes a pipe rack 33 , which can include a pipe handler 60 and one or more tiers 63 for storing pipe 30 , and multi-tiers 63 (five tiers illustrated in FIG. 2 , with multi-tiers obscured by pipe 30 ).
- a pipe rack 33 can include a pipe handler 60 and one or more tiers 63 for storing pipe 30 , and multi-tiers 63 (five tiers illustrated in FIG. 2 , with multi-tiers obscured by pipe 30 ).
- One exemplary, lowermost, tier 63 is shown in FIG. 10 .
- the pipe handler 60 can be automated for loading and unloading pipe 30 from each tier 63 .
- the pipe handler 60 is actuated to both elevate, to access tiers 63 , and tip for loading and unloading pipe 30 to and from the selected tier of the racks 63 .
- the pipe handler comprises a trough 67 and a conveyor 66 positioned under
- a conveyor 66 and pipe trough 67 is supported on height adjustable trough supports 68 (one shown).
- Each trough support 68 is adjustable to position the trough 67 at each tier 60 .
- each support 68 can be a tubular support 69 movably and axially actuable through a sleeve 70 .
- the trough supports 68 can be actuated using one or more hydraulic rams.
- the trough 67 is pivotable left and right for receiving and unloading pipe 30 .
- the trough 67 has a live bottom trough for assisting with tripping pipe 30 .
- the conveyor 66 When a pipe 30 is lowered by the top drive 42 , the conveyor 66 is actuated to direct a pipe end away from the derrick 40 and to lie the pipe 30 down in the pipe handler trough 67 for subsequent tipping and racking in a tier 63 .
- an embodiment of the mud unit 100 also comprises a working deck 11 for support on a substructure 12 (typically interchangeable with the substructure of the rig 10 .
- the working deck 11 typically supports a mud pump, mud tank, mix hopper, shaker, degasser and auxiliary equipment including hydraulic power pack and air compressor.
- an articulation interface 15 can be similarly provided as described for the rig 10 including rear pivot 52 and front pivots 51 , 51 .
- Suitable equipment and capacities possible include 1.7M 3 Gardner Denver pump at 1000 psi, Mission 5 by 6 centrifugal pumps for precharge, mixing and mud roll, a Derrick 313M shaker, and a 20 m 3 tank according to Alberta Energy Utility Board (EUB) regulations. Sensors monitor tank level, pumps and alarms.
- EUB Alberta Energy Utility Board
- the substructure can be convertible so that the pontoons and tracks can be swapped out for a substructure supporting large footprint tires and suitable drives (not shown).
- an embodiment of the rig 10 and mud unit 100 are setup on location for conducting operations.
- the units are ideal for shallow core drilling in the order of 300 m and support services and scaled-up rigs are contemplated to core drill to depths of 700 m.
- the rig 10 has a low ground impact and is suitable for environmentally sensitive areas. Applicant believes that the rig footprint is about 1 ⁇ 2 of the footprint of other similar coring rigs.
- One embodiment of the rig is 38 feet by 44 feet. Accordingly, the rig has a small location size requirement and can fit on smaller resource leases while still meeting other drilling regulations. Despite units weighing in the order of 110,000 pounds, the ground pressure is about 2 to 4 psi and will not compact muskeg. Further, using other arrangements of rig 10 and mud units 100 , such as those being arranged end to end, coring can be performed off lease, on access roadways or on lease roads.
- the rig can implement a Range II derrick capable performance of 50,000 pound pull and a 20,000 pound push and typical coring depths of 300 m or so for oil sands deposits in Northern Alberta, Canada.
- Range III Other capacities including Range III are contemplated.
- Auxiliary capability includes 12,000 pound working winch and a 3,500 core winch.
- an embodiment of an auxiliary unit 200 comprises an amphibious drive base with a deck 11 having water and vacuum capability with a picker for a variety of lifting duties.
- One such auxiliary unit can transport pipe, cores and equipment and store 15 m 3 of water and a 15 m 3 vacuum tank 201 .
- a suitable vacuum tank 201 is a Rebel 15 m 3 tank meeting TC-412 tank specifications and fit with a Hibon VTB820 blower.
- the water tank can be fit with a Bowie pump.
- the auxiliary unit can be fit with a steam system for cleaning duties such as rig-cleaning.
- a suitable crane or picker 202 could include a Hiab 166B-3CL Knuckle-boom picker.
- the rig 10 , mud unit 100 and auxiliary unit 200 can be transported by road on low-boy trailers and then self-powered on their drive bases to the coring/drilling location, including amphibious and muskeg locations. It is also contemplated that the decks of the units are separable from the drive bases for separate shipping by truck and trailers.
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Abstract
An amphibious coring apparatus is provided for operations on ground including wetlands. A rig deck is supported above a substructure. The substructure has mobile, low ground pressure, wetland-engaging ground components. Between the deck and the substructure is an articulation interface for leveling the rig deck. A top drive is movable in a derrick for rotating a drill string. Hydraulic rams supported from the deck raise and lower the top drive, such as by a cable extending over a sheave at a top end of each ram. A pipe handler racks pipe to and from multiple tiers and a live bottom trough assists with tripping pipe.
Description
- This application is a regular application of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/940,443, filed May 28, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The invention relates to apparatus and methodology for obtaining subterranean core samples, more particularly for drilling apparatus which exert low ground pressure and having synergistic adaptations related thereto.
- Sensitive environments including wet terrain, such as muskeg and swampy areas, are an impediment to drilling and coring operations as the fragile environment is easily damaged.
- Accordingly, many such operations have been restricted to the winter season when conventional equipment can be supported on frozen ground. The usable window for a winter season in Alberta, Canada can be as small as three months before a thawing break-up approaching the spring season.
- Embodiments of the invention relate to low ground pressure or to amphibious capable equipment for accessing sensitive environments year around, including after the winter thaw. The apparatus of the invention imposes less than one-half the pressure of the human foot and use of environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids, in a substantially all-hydraulic rig, minimize risk.
- Embodiments of the invention relate to equipment which can be transported to the sensitive areas on conventional transports and within restrictions including weight and size. Accordingly, components of the equipment which are oversize when erected for operation, can be collapsed or pivoted to a low profile, such as for hauling on a low-boy trailer.
- Embodiments of the invention further relate to equipment which can adapt to uneven terrain, without extraneous leveling jacks or blocking. The low-ground profile or amphibious equipment includes an articulated platform which can be leveled relative to the equipment's mobile base.
- In one broad aspect of the invention, an amphibious coring apparatus is provided for operations on ground including wetlands comprising: a rig deck; a substructure supporting mobile, low ground pressure, wetland-engaging ground components; and an articulation interface between the rig deck and substructure for leveling the rig deck. The articulation interface can be stabilized with lateral and longitudinal bars.
- The apparatus of the current invention enables drilling over wetlands in all seasons. In a broad aspect a method is provided for drilling in wetlands comprising: moving an amphibious, low ground pressure coring apparatus onto the wetlands supported on wetland-engaging ground components, and articulating a rig deck relative to the ground components for orienting a derrick for drilling.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention on site and illustrating a transportable drilling/coring apparatus placed adjacent a transportable mud unit; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the transportable drilling/coring apparatus with the plating of the deck removed for viewing the structures therebelow; -
FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the rig with the derrick erected; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the rig ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5A is a front elevation of the derrick illustrating the top drive at the rig deck; -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the derrick ofFIG. 5A ; - FIG. 5CB is a close up perspective view of the rams and sheaves of the derrick of
FIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 6 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the transportable drilling/coring rig; -
FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the rig ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a front, underside and perspective view of a deck, the articulation interface and the substructure having the pontoons removed for improved viewing of the interface -
FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a deck, the articulation interface and the substructure having the pontoons removed for improved viewing of the interface; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the pipe handler showing a rack only on one side; -
FIG. 11 is an end view of the pipe handler ofFIG. 9 illustrating racks on either side of the pipe handler; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mud unit and deck with the pontoons and tracks removed; -
FIG. 13 is a left side view of the mud unit ofFIG. 12 illustrating the articulation interface between the deck and the substructure; -
FIG. 14 is a front view of the transportable frame ofFIG. 13 , -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of auxiliary transportable unit; and -
FIG. 16 is a rear view of the auxiliary transportable unit ofFIG. 15 . - In greater detail and with reference to
FIG. 1 , embodiments of an apparatus for coring or drilling comprise arig 10 that can work in wetlands year around. Typically therig 10 is associated with other equipment such as at least amud unit 100. - The
rig 10 is amphibious (including land, water, muskeg, big and combinations thereof), comprising: arig deck 11 and asubstructure 12 which supports ground-engaging, motive, ground components M like wheels or tracks. The ground components M impose a low ground pressure on the supporting wetland. In one embodiment, the ground components M of thesubstructure 12 can comprisepontoons 13 fit withtracks 14 so that therig 10 is both mobile over soft ground and can be amphibious. Thetracks 14 can be driven with systems similar to skid-steer equipment. Suitable pontoons, tracks and drive systems can be sourced from Wetland Equipment Company, Inc., Louisiana, USA. - As shown in the embodiment of
FIGS. 2-4 , a rig deck-mounteddiesel engine 19 provides hydraulic power for driving thetracks 14. Thetracks 14 can be driven by one or more drives comprisinghydraulic motors 21 and a drivetrain (such asgearboxes 22, chain and sprocket arrangements 23) which can be fit to thesubstructure 12 for driving thetracks 14. Thediesel engine 19 also provides hydraulics generally for therig 10 overall. - Drilling and coring operations utilize
pipe 30 which, for most operations, can be racked on therig deck 11. Best seen inFIGS. 1 , 8 and 9, apipe racking system 32 enablespipe 30 to be loaded and unloaded athorizontal racks 33 supported on therig deck 11. Therig 10 includes a driver'scab 34 and adoghouse 35 housing coring/drilling controls. - With reference to
FIGS. 5A-5C , a hydraulictop drive 42 is guided in a dolly 43 up and down thederrick 40 for rotatingpipe 30. Conventional equipment is provided, such as hydraulic lines and mud hoses 44 are not detailed. Further, other conventional equipment includes pipe handling such as iron roughneck and power tongs, hydraulic bails and elevators, power slips and automated tripping. - With reference also to
FIG. 2 , thetop drive 42 is actuated up and down thederrick 40 using one or more actuators, such as a pair of hydraulic rams 45. Each ram 45 comprises acylinder 46 secured to thedeck 11 at a lower end and stabilized laterally in the derrick at an upper end, at about one half the height of the derrick. Each ram 45 further comprises arod 47 for extension from eachcylinder 46 and operable from about one half the height of the derrick to thetop 48 of the derrick. Full range of motion of thetop drive 42 fromrig deck 11 to the top 48 of the derrick is accomplished with a cable (not shown), one end of which is fixed such as to thedeck 11, extends over asheave 49 fit to eachrod 47, and the other end being secured to the top drive dolly 43. When the rod is fully retracted to thecylinder 46, the top drive is at thedeck 11. As therod 47 is extended, the cable passes over the sheave, doubling the displacement of thetop drive 42 relative to therod 47. The top drive travels twice the lineal travel of the rod. Accordingly, extension of rod of ½ of the derrick, moves thetop drive 42 from thedeck 11 to the top 48 of the derrick. Lifting loads from thetop drive 42 are directed to therig deck 11 through the rams 45 and avoid imposing vertical loads on thederrick 40, eliminating crown loads and enabling a lightweight derrick design. Thederrick 40 is fit with a hinge 44 (FIG. 1 ) adjacent a deck end for pivoting from an upright, substantially vertical, operational position to a substantially horizontal and low shipping or transport position. Depending on the form of transport, theentire rig 10 includingderrick 40 can be transported between sites at or below road height restrictions for road transport. - With reference to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , typically adrilling derrick 40 is oriented vertically or otherwise oriented for particular operations. Thederrick 40 is supported by therig deck 11, the rig deck is supported on thesubstructure 12 and the substructure is supported by the substructure's ground components M. Due to uncertain wetland conditions, the orientation of thesubstructure 12 is less likely to be optimal for the derrick orientation. Accordingly, anarticulation interface 15 is employed between therig deck 11 andsubstructure 12 for orienting therig deck 11, typically oriented to the horizontal for orienting thederrick 40 vertically thereon. Accordingly, articulation interface, or leveling system, operative between the deck and the ground components M enables the unit to be operated on zero-ground disturbance locations including off-level footing. - As shown in
FIGS. 6-9 , thedeck 11, whether it is for therig 10 ormud unit 100, is articulated upon thearticulation interface 15, and actuable to level thedeck 11, regardless of an uneven orientation of the substructure and ground components (pontoons 13 and tracks 14 shown). Typically, thedeck 11 is supported above thesubstructure 12 upon a three or a four point connection. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 , thedeck 11 can be pivoted on a three-point articulation interface 15, two points forward and one point rearward wherein one forward point and one rearward point are elevation adjustable. At least two jacks are required; one for side-to-side and one for front-to-back adjustment. Threejacks 50 are illustrated for connection tofront pivots 51 andrear pivot 52. Two front jacks 50 f, 50 f are located at two laterally spaced front pivots 51 d, 51 d and 51 s, 51 s, at each of thedeck 11 andsubstructure 12 respectively, towards the front of therig 10. One substantial rear jack 50 r andrear pivot 52 d, 52 s, at each of thedeck 11 andsubstructure 12 respectively, is located towards the rear of thedeck 11. The front pivots 51,51 are spaced forward of therear pivot 52. The two front jacks 50 f, 50 f actuate at least side to side leveling and can participate in some front to rear adjustment. The rear jack 50 r and the one or more front jacks 50 f, 50 f can actuate front-to-back leveling. The rear and front pivots 51,52 are distributed under thedeck 11 for load distribution to thesubstructure 12. - A four point articulation interface comprises four points of connection, two points forward and two points rearward, and at least forward point and one rearward point being elevation adjustable.
- With reference to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , a pair oflateral stabilizing bars 54 are provided, one forward and one rearward, extending between thedeck 11 and thesubstructure 12, to ensure thedeck 11 stays aligned and stabilized side-to-side over thesubstructure 12. Similarly, at least onelongitudinal bar 55 is provided to ensure thedeck 11 stays aligned front-to-back over thesubstructure 12. The bars are articulated at each connection, one end to the deck and another end at the substructure. The bars are provided in embodiments in which thejacks 50 are highly articulated and additional stabilization is desired. - In embodiments having a pair of parallel, spaced tracked
pontoons 13, thepivots pontoons 13. Thejacks 50 can be articulated actuators such as hydraulic rams. - With reference to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , an embodiment of thepipe racking system 32 includes apipe rack 33, which can include apipe handler 60 and one ormore tiers 63 for storingpipe 30, and multi-tiers 63 (five tiers illustrated inFIG. 2 , with multi-tiers obscured by pipe 30). One exemplary, lowermost,tier 63 is shown inFIG. 10 . Thepipe handler 60 can be automated for loading and unloadingpipe 30 from eachtier 63. Thepipe handler 60 is actuated to both elevate, to accesstiers 63, and tip for loading and unloadingpipe 30 to and from the selected tier of theracks 63. The pipe handler comprises atrough 67 and aconveyor 66 positioned under thetrough 67 for directingpipe 30 therealong. - A
conveyor 66 andpipe trough 67 is supported on height adjustable trough supports 68 (one shown). Eachtrough support 68 is adjustable to position thetrough 67 at eachtier 60. Best seen inFIG. 11 , eachsupport 68 can be a tubular support 69 movably and axially actuable through asleeve 70. The trough supports 68 can be actuated using one or more hydraulic rams. Thetrough 67 is pivotable left and right for receiving and unloadingpipe 30. Thetrough 67 has a live bottom trough for assisting with trippingpipe 30. When apipe 30 is lowered by thetop drive 42, theconveyor 66 is actuated to direct a pipe end away from thederrick 40 and to lie thepipe 30 down in thepipe handler trough 67 for subsequent tipping and racking in atier 63. - With reference to
FIGS. 12 and 15 respectively, therig 10 ofFIG. 1 is typically accompanied by the mud unit 100 (FIG. 12 ) for drilling operations and can further include an auxiliary unit 200 (FIG. 15 ). Similarly, themud unit 100, and even theauxiliary unit 200, can also be articulated for leveling purposes. - With reference to
FIGS. 12-14 , an embodiment of themud unit 100 also comprises a workingdeck 11 for support on a substructure 12 (typically interchangeable with the substructure of therig 10. The workingdeck 11 typically supports a mud pump, mud tank, mix hopper, shaker, degasser and auxiliary equipment including hydraulic power pack and air compressor. As shown inFIG. 14 , anarticulation interface 15 can be similarly provided as described for therig 10 includingrear pivot 52 and front pivots 51,51. - Suitable equipment and capacities possible include 1.7M3 Gardner Denver pump at 1000 psi, Mission 5 by 6 centrifugal pumps for precharge, mixing and mud roll, a Derrick 313M shaker, and a 20 m3 tank according to Alberta Energy Utility Board (EUB) regulations. Sensors monitor tank level, pumps and alarms.
- The substructure can be convertible so that the pontoons and tracks can be swapped out for a substructure supporting large footprint tires and suitable drives (not shown).
- As shown in
FIG. 11 , an embodiment of therig 10 andmud unit 100 are setup on location for conducting operations. The units are ideal for shallow core drilling in the order of 300 m and support services and scaled-up rigs are contemplated to core drill to depths of 700 m. - The
rig 10 has a low ground impact and is suitable for environmentally sensitive areas. Applicant believes that the rig footprint is about ½ of the footprint of other similar coring rigs. One embodiment of the rig is 38 feet by 44 feet. Accordingly, the rig has a small location size requirement and can fit on smaller resource leases while still meeting other drilling regulations. Despite units weighing in the order of 110,000 pounds, the ground pressure is about 2 to 4 psi and will not compact muskeg. Further, using other arrangements ofrig 10 andmud units 100, such as those being arranged end to end, coring can be performed off lease, on access roadways or on lease roads. As shown, with aderrick 40 fit with a pair of 6″ rams 45, the rig can implement a Range II derrick capable performance of 50,000 pound pull and a 20,000 pound push and typical coring depths of 300 m or so for oil sands deposits in Northern Alberta, Canada. Other capacities including Range III are contemplated. Auxiliary capability includes 12,000 pound working winch and a 3,500 core winch. - Having reference to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , an embodiment of anauxiliary unit 200 comprises an amphibious drive base with adeck 11 having water and vacuum capability with a picker for a variety of lifting duties. One such auxiliary unit can transport pipe, cores and equipment and store 15 m3 of water and a 15 m3vacuum tank 201. - A
suitable vacuum tank 201 is a Rebel 15 m3 tank meeting TC-412 tank specifications and fit with a Hibon VTB820 blower. The water tank can be fit with a Bowie pump. Further, the auxiliary unit can be fit with a steam system for cleaning duties such as rig-cleaning. A suitable crane orpicker 202 could include a Hiab 166B-3CL Knuckle-boom picker. - The
rig 10,mud unit 100 andauxiliary unit 200 can be transported by road on low-boy trailers and then self-powered on their drive bases to the coring/drilling location, including amphibious and muskeg locations. It is also contemplated that the decks of the units are separable from the drive bases for separate shipping by truck and trailers.
Claims (20)
1. Amphibious coring apparatus for operations on ground including wetlands comprising:
a rig deck;
a substructure supporting mobile, low ground pressure, wetland-engaging ground components; and
an articulation interface between the rig deck and substructure for leveling the rig deck.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ground components comprise tracked pontoons for low ground pressure support on the ground.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the articulation interface comprises three or more spaced points of connection, two of which are elevation adjustable for adjusting the fore-to-aft and side-to-side angles of the rig deck relative to the substructure.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the articulation interface comprises three points of connection, two points forward and one point rearward wherein one forward point and one rearward point are elevation adjustable.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising stabilizing bars extending between the deck and the substructure for lateral and longitudinal stabilization.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising front and rear stabilizing bars extending laterally between the deck and the substructure for side-to-side stabilization and at least one longitudinal stabilizing bar extending longitudinally between the deck and the substructure for front-to-rear stabilization.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the articulation interface comprises four points of connection, two points forward and two points rearward and at least forward point and one rearward point being elevation adjustable.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the substructure further comprises two tracked pontoons for supporting the apparatus with 2 to 4 psi ground pressure.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the substructure further comprises one or more drives for powering the tracked pontoons.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the one or more drives are powered from the rig deck.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pipe rack supported on the rig deck.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the pipe rack further comprises an automated pipe handler for loading and unloading pipe.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the pipe rack further comprises:
one or more tiers for storing pipe, and wherein
the automated pipe handler loads and unloads pipe from each tier.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the pipe rack further comprises:
a trough; and
a conveyor positioned under the trough for directing pipe therealong.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the trough and conveyor are height adjustable for loading and unloading pipe at each tier.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a derrick, wherein
the derrick further comprises
a top drive, and
one or more actuators for moving the top drive along the derrick.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the one or more actuators are hydraulic rams mounted between the deck and the top drive.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the one or more actuators are hydraulic rams comprise:
a cylinder supported by the deck;
a rod fit with a sheave; and
a cable extending over the sheave to the top drive, wherein the top drive travels twice the lineal travel of the rod.
19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the derrick is pivotally mounted to the rig deck between a substantially horizontal transport and a substantially vertical operational position.
20. A method of drilling in wetlands comprising:
moving an amphibious coring apparatus having a rig deck onto the wetlands, the apparatus having low ground pressure, wetland-engaging ground components; and
articulating the rig deck relative to the ground components for orienting a rig deck supported derrick for drilling.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/128,363 US20080296063A1 (en) | 2007-05-28 | 2008-05-28 | Low ground pressure and amphibious coring system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US94044307P | 2007-05-28 | 2007-05-28 | |
US12/128,363 US20080296063A1 (en) | 2007-05-28 | 2008-05-28 | Low ground pressure and amphibious coring system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080296063A1 true US20080296063A1 (en) | 2008-12-04 |
Family
ID=40074430
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/128,363 Abandoned US20080296063A1 (en) | 2007-05-28 | 2008-05-28 | Low ground pressure and amphibious coring system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080296063A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2633961A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012142259A2 (en) * | 2011-04-14 | 2012-10-18 | Shell Oil Company | Self-propelled simultaneous platform |
CN103256005A (en) * | 2013-04-26 | 2013-08-21 | 山西金鼎高宝钻探有限责任公司 | Kilometer drilling machine |
US8905160B1 (en) | 2009-09-03 | 2014-12-09 | Astec Industries, Inc. | Drill pipe handling assembly |
US10385634B2 (en) * | 2014-04-14 | 2019-08-20 | Ormarc Engineering Pty Ltd | Drill rod handler |
US11441357B2 (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2022-09-13 | Southwest Petroleum University | Drilling platform for amphibious operations |
CN115639019A (en) * | 2022-12-23 | 2023-01-24 | 四川路桥华东建设有限责任公司 | Road surface drilling coring equipment |
CN117738608A (en) * | 2024-02-07 | 2024-03-22 | 克拉玛依市远山石油科技有限公司 | Oil sand probing coring device |
US12078017B2 (en) | 2020-01-16 | 2024-09-03 | Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment Llc | System and method to automatically position a machine in a shipping configuration |
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