US20100193247A1 - Track and Sprocket Drive for Drilling - Google Patents
Track and Sprocket Drive for Drilling Download PDFInfo
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- US20100193247A1 US20100193247A1 US12/693,992 US69399210A US2010193247A1 US 20100193247 A1 US20100193247 A1 US 20100193247A1 US 69399210 A US69399210 A US 69399210A US 2010193247 A1 US2010193247 A1 US 2010193247A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- track
- top drive
- sprocket
- bushings
- carriage assembly
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP 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
- E21B19/08—Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods
- E21B19/083—Cam, rack or like feed mechanisms
Abstract
A drilling rig includes a mast base and a mast having a structural frame extending from the mast base. The structural frame includes a first track extending along the length of the structural frame and a second track extending along the length of the structural frame spaced from and parallel to the first track. The drilling rig also includes a top drive carriage assembly having at least one sprocket arrangement operatively engaged with one of the first track and the second track. The first track and the second track each include a plurality of bushings equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart track plates. The at least one sprocket arrangement has a plurality of teeth configured to operatively engage the plurality of bushings such that the top drive carriage assembly moves along the length of the structural frame of the mast.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/148,582 entitled “Track and Sprocket Drive for Drilling” filed Jan. 30, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates, in general, to a drilling rig primarily for use in gas drilling and, more particularly, to a drive mechanism for a carriage of the drilling rig.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- A vertical drilling rig is commonly used in oil, gas, and coal bed methane well drilling. Conventional vertical drilling rigs use heavy drill pipe and/or drill collars in order to exert downward force on the drill bit as it enters the earth's surface and begins the well bore.
- Vertically drilling an oil or gas well begins with the step of positioning a drill string terminating with a drill bit and rotating the drill string such that the drill bit bores into the ground or into the seabed, in the case of offshore drilling, until it reaches a predetermined depth or penetrates a petroleum-bearing or gas-bearing geological formation. The components of the drill string, such as the drill pipe and/or drill collars, are threaded for interconnection. The uppermost length of drill pipe in the drill string is connected to a top drive positioned on a carriage. As the drill bit advances and the top of the drill string approaches the working platform or drill floor of the drilling rig, additional lengths of drill pipe must be added to the drill string in order to advance the well further into the ground. This is accomplished by temporarily supporting the top of the drill string near the drill floor level, disconnecting the top drive from the top of the drill string, and then lifting a new section of drill pipe into position using the rig's elevating system and screwing it into the top of the drill string. The top drive is then reconnected to the drill string, and drilling operations resume until it is again necessary to add drill pipe. In addition, as the drill bit of the vertical drilling rig drills deeper below the earth's surface, it is sometimes necessary to apply force in the opposite direction of the drilling direction (pull-back force) in order to prevent placing too much weight on the drill bit and causing damage to or failure of the drill bit. This is accomplished by using the top drive.
- It is also known in the art to drill oil, gas, and methane wells in a vertical direction initially and then deviate or turn the well bore in increments toward a horizontal direction as the drill bit reaches the target formation. The bore hole is then continued in the horizontal direction for a distance. This method exposes a greater volume of the oil, gas, or methane producing formation to the well bore and produces a higher and longer producing well.
- In order to convert a vertical drilling rig to accomplish the combination vertical-horizontal drilling, it is necessary that the vertical drilling rig include a top drive to provide rotational force to the drill pipe, rather than a rotary table and Kelly bar. Top drive units are typically driven by either hydraulic or electric power. The top drive is supported by the rig's main hoist and moves downward along with the drill string as drilling progresses. The top drive also provides thrust and pull-back forces which are needed while drilling in the horizontal direction. The top drive typically travels along vertical guide rails built into the mast of the rig superstructure. However, the distances of the horizontal runs produced by conventional devices and methods are limited by the capability of the top drive to apply thrust and pull-back forces to the drill pipe. The diameters of the horizontal runs are also limited by the ability to apply thrust and pull-back forces to the drill pipe. There are several known drive mechanisms for allowing the top drive to travel along the mast of a rig superstructure, thereby applying thrust and pull-back forces to the drill pipe. However, each of these known drive mechanisms suffers from various deficiencies.
- For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,491 to Riel discloses a modified horizontal directional drilling (HDD) assembly. The modified HDD assembly includes a rotary and carriage assembly. The rotary and carriage assembly is adapted to move along a thrust frame and provide thrust force, pull-back force, and rotational torque to a drill pipe or casing. The rotary and carriage assembly is driven by a positive rack and pinion carriage system. Such rack and pinion systems generally lose efficiency as the gear teeth and guide system wear. The pressure angle of the gear teeth results in forces acting to spread the pinion away from the rack. These forces must be counteracted by the bearings on the pinion drive, as well as by any guide system used to maintain distance between pinion shaft and rack. As the guide system and gear teeth wear, the effective pressure angle typically increases, thereby increasing the load on the pinion bearings and guide system. The increased load results in decreased efficiency due to increased drag. In addition, if one of the teeth in the rack becomes inoperative due to wear, the entire rack may need to be replaced.
- United States Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0246264 to Folk is directed to a worm and collar drive drilling rig. The drilling rig includes a substructure and a mast. The mast includes a worm drive which is a driveshaft having a helical groove cut into its surface. A collar having means for engaging the worm drive is driven longitudinally along the length of the worm drive by rotation of the worm drive. In its simplest form, the collar may be a nut having an internal thread complementary to the worm drive helical groove. The collar includes a plurality of rollers disposed internally which engage the worm drive. The rollers are arranged in a helical manner within the collar, which matches the helical pitch of the worm drive. Each roller includes a shaft and a head which is rotatably supported on the shaft by a suitable bearing set. The roller shaft passes through an opening in the collar and is secured by a nut. However, this system suffers from various deficiencies. For instance, it is complex and expensive to manufacture. In addition, if the worm drive malfunctions or wears out, it is difficult to replace.
- Accordingly, a need exists for a drive system to allow a top drive carriage to travel along the mast of a drilling rig in an efficient manner and that allows for easy replacement and repair of damaged parts.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a drive system for a top drive carriage that precisely and efficiently moves the top drive carriage along a mast. The mast may include multiple sections that are easily assembled in the field. Another object of the present invention is to guide the top drive carriage without the use of additional guide rails. In addition, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a drive system for a top drive carriage that allows for easy replacement and repair of damaged parts.
- The present invention is directed to a drilling rig that includes a mast base and a mast having a structural frame extending from the mast base. The structural frame includes a first track extending along the length of the structural frame and a second track extending along the length of the structural frame spaced from and parallel to the first track. The drilling rig also includes a top drive carriage assembly having at least one sprocket arrangement operatively engaged with one of the first track and the second track. The first track and the second track each include a plurality of bushings equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart track plates. The at least one sprocket arrangement has a plurality of teeth configured to operatively engage the plurality of bushings such that the top drive carriage assembly moves along the length of the structural frame of the mast.
- Each of the plurality of bushings may be attached to the spaced apart track plates by a bolt and nut arrangement. In addition, each of the first track and the second track may further include wear plates positioned adjacent to the plurality of bushings to prevent wear on the track plates. At least one first roller configured to move with the top drive carriage assembly may be provided adjacent to an outer edge of the spaced apart track plates of the first track, and at least one second roller configured to move with the top drive carriage assembly may be provided adjacent to an outer edge of the spaced apart track plates of the second track.
- The at least one sprocket arrangement may be driven by a planetary gear arrangement driven by a hydraulic motor. The top drive carriage assembly may include four sprocket arrangements. Two of the sprocket arrangements may be operatively engaged with the first track and two of the sprocket arrangements may be operatively engaged with the second track. Each of the sprocket arrangements may be driven by a separate planetary gear arrangement driven by a hydraulic motor. The sprocket arrangement may be manufactured using a water-jet technique. The drilling rig may further include a control panel having speed control mechanisms for controlling the hydraulic motors.
- In addition, the present invention is also directed to a drive mechanism for a top drive carriage assembly of a drilling rig. The drive mechanism includes a track having a plurality of bushings equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart track plates; and at least one sprocket arrangement operatively engaged with the track. The at least one sprocket arrangement includes a plurality of teeth configured to operatively engage the plurality of bushings such that the sprocket assembly moves along the track.
- Each of the plurality of bushings may be attached to the spaced apart track plates by a bolt and nut arrangement. In addition, the track may further include wear plates positioned adjacent to the plurality of bushings to prevent wear on the track plates. The at least one sprocket arrangement may be driven by a planetary gear arrangement driven by a hydraulic motor. The sprocket arrangement may be manufactured using a water jet technique.
- The present invention is also directed to a method of drilling. The method includes the step of providing a drilling rig. The drilling rig includes a mast base and a mast having a structural frame extending from the mast base. The structural frame includes a first track extending along the length of the structural frame and a second track extending along the length of the structural frame spaced from and parallel to the first track. The drilling rig also includes a top drive carriage assembly having at least one sprocket arrangement operatively engaged with one of the first track and the second track. The first track and the second track each include a plurality of bushings equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart track plates. The at least one sprocket arrangement has a plurality of teeth configured to operatively engage the plurality of bushings such that the top drive carriage assembly moves along the length of the structural frame of the mast. The method also includes the steps of: raising the mast onto the mast base such that it is substantially perpendicular to a surface; coupling an upper end of a drill string having a drill bit at a lower end thereof to a top drive drill head of the top drive carriage assembly; and providing a rotational drive force to the drill string by the top drive drill head such that the drill bit is rotated to bore into the earth.
- Each of the plurality of bushings may be attached to the spaced apart track plates by a bolt and nut arrangement. In addition, each of the first track and the second track may further include wear plates positioned adjacent to the plurality of bushings to prevent wear on the track plates. At least one first roller configured to move with the top drive carriage assembly may be provided adjacent to an outer edge of the spaced apart track plates of the first track, and at least one second roller configured to move with the top drive carriage assembly may be provided adjacent to an outer edge of the spaced apart track plates of the second track. The at least one sprocket arrangement may be driven by a planetary gear arrangement driven by a hydraulic motor. The top drive carriage assembly may include four sprocket arrangements. Two of the sprocket arrangements may be operatively engaged with the first track and two of the sprocket arrangements may be operatively engaged with the second track.
- These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drilling rig having a top drive carriage assembly driven by a track and sprocket drive mechanism in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a portion of the drilling rig ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a portion of the front plan view of the drilling rig ofFIG. 1 enlarged for magnification purposes; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the top drive carriage assembly taken along line 4-4 inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a portion of the view ofFIG. 4 illustrating a track of the track and sprocket drive mechanism enlarged for magnification purposes; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the track and sprocket drive mechanism in accordance with the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a drilling rig in accordance with the present invention. - For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , a drilling rig, denoted generally asreference numeral 1, that includes a highly controllable topdrive carriage assembly 3 is illustrated.Drilling rig 1 may be used for vertical drilling, horizontal drilling, combination vertical/horizontal drilling, directional drilling, and various other drilling applications.Drilling rig 1 includes amast base 5 and a mast 7 having a structural frame 9 extending frommast base 5.Mast base 5 and mast 7 are desirably transported to a drilling site on a flat-bed truck or any other suitable means for transportation. In addition,mast base 5 is anchored to the ground at the drilling site using any suitable anchoring means as are known in the art. - Structural frame 9 includes a
first track 11 and asecond track 13 extending along a length L thereof.First track 11 andsecond track 13 are spaced a distance D from each other and are positioned parallel to each other. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 ,first track 11 andsecond track 13 each include a plurality ofbushings 15 equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart trackplates 17. Each of the plurality ofbushings 15 has a hollow, cylindrical shape having apassage 16 therethrough and is manufactured from hardened steel. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the present invention as thebushings 15 may be of any suitable shape and may be manufactured from any material having sufficient durability. - Each of the plurality of
bushings 15 is attached to the spaced apart trackplates 17 by a bolt andnut arrangement 19 that passes through holes (not shown) provided intrack plates 17 and throughpassage 16 inbushing 15. In addition,first track 11 andsecond track 13 may further includewear plates 21 positioned adjacent to the plurality ofbushings 15 to prevent wear ontrack plates 17 as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.Bushings 15 are attached to trackplates 17 in a pattern of motion desired. As shown in the figures, this pattern of motion is linear. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the present invention as the pattern may be non-linear depending on the application. - With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 and with continuing reference toFIG. 1 ,drilling rig 1 also includes topdrive carriage assembly 3. Topdrive carriage assembly 3 includes abody 23 having a topdrive drill head 25 and at least onesprocket arrangement 27 positioned thereon. Desirably and as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , topdrive carriage assembly 3 includes foursprocket arrangements 27A-27D. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the present invention as any suitable number of sprocket arrangements suitable to allow topdrive carriage assembly 3 to travel along length L of mast 7 may be utilized. - Top
drive drill head 25 is configured to be connected to the top of a drill string (not shown). Once a drill string is connected to topdrive drill head 25, topdrive drill head 25 provides a rotational drive force thereto. The rotational drive force is provided by a rotary hydraulic or electric motor (not shown). - In addition, top
drive carriage assembly 3 is configured to move along length L of mast 7 by means of the foursprocket arrangements 27A-27D. Two of thesprocket arrangements first track 11 and two of thesprocket arrangements second track 13. More specifically, each of thesprocket arrangements 27A-27D has a plurality ofteeth 29 configured to operatively engage the plurality ofbushings 15 of eitherfirst track 11 orsecond track 13. The plurality ofteeth 29 are formed insprocket arrangements 27A-27D such that they engage the plurality ofbushings 15 with a high degree of precision as shown inFIG. 6 . Eachsprocket arrangement 27 includes a round surface to one side ofteeth 29 that acts as a roller to maintain a constant distance from the center ofsprocket arrangement 27 to thetrack Sprocket arrangements 27A-27D may be manufactured using a water-jet technique or any other suitable technique. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , and with continuing reference toFIGS. 1-3 , each ofsprocket arrangements 27A-27D is driven by aplanetary drive assembly 31.Planetary drive assembly 31 includes aplanetary gear arrangement 33, ahydraulic motor 35, and abrake 37. Eachsprocket arrangement 27A-27D is driven by a separateplanetary gear arrangement 33 driven by ahydraulic motor 35, such thatsprocket arrangement bushings 15. This rotation ofsprocket arrangements 27A-27D allows topdrive carriage assembly 3 to move up and down along the length L of structural frame 9 of mast 7. Assprocket arrangements 27A-27D engage and move along the plurality ofbushings 15,sprocket arrangements 27A-27D ride againstwear plates 21. This prevents wear ontrack plates 17. Wearplates 21 and thebushings 15 are adapted to be easily removable and replaceable when either thewear plates 21 orbushings 15 are worn or fail. - In addition, since each
sprocket arrangement 27A-27D is driven by a two speedplanetary drive assembly 31 and ahydraulic motor 35 capable of smooth operation over a wide range of speeds, the drive mechanism of the present invention is highly controllable. Acontrol panel 39 is provided atmast base 5. A canopy 40 is provided overcontrol panel 39 to protect an operator from falling objects.Control panel 39 includes on/off switches 41 for each of four electrically-controlled hydraulic pumps (not shown) used to provide hydraulic power to drive thehydraulic motors 35. Any combination of positions of on/off switches 41 for the four electrically-controlled hydraulic pumps may be used to reduce hydraulic oil flow for more control, increase hydraulic oil flow for more speed, and/or avoid using a pump that is in need of repair. In addition, apotentiometer knob 43 and joystick control (not shown) are provided to control the speed and direction ofhydraulic motors 35, thereby providing control of the speed of rotation and the direction of rotation of each ofsprocket arrangements 27A-27D. The joystick control overridespotentiometer knob 43. This allows a user to setpotentiometer knob 43 to a desired drilling speed allowing for hands-free operation, and then use the joystick control to overridepotentiometer knob 43 and take manual control of the drilling process. Accordingly,control panel 39 allows for precise control of the movement of topdrive carriage assembly 3 along the length L of structural frame 9 of mast 7. - Top
drive carriage assembly 3 further includes at least one, and desirably two,rollers 45 configured to move with topdrive carriage assembly 3.Roller 45 is provided adjacent to an outer edge of the spaced apart trackplates 17 offirst track 11. Also, at least one, and desirably two,rollers 47 configured to move with topdrive carriage assembly 3 are provided adjacent to an outer edge of spaced apart trackplates 17 ofsecond track 13.Rollers track plates 17 of each offirst track 11 andsecond track 13 remain parallel and equidistant to each other. In an alternative embodiment,rollers additional sprocket arrangements 27 such thatsprocket arrangements 27 are provided on both sides offirst track 11 andsecond track 13. This alternative embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 7 .First track 11 andsecond track 13 may be arranged differently to provide for a smaller overall mast dimension if desired. - In operation, mast 7 is raised onto
mast base 5 such that it is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the ground. Next, an upper end of a drill string having a drill bit at a lower end thereof is coupled to topdrive drill head 25 of topdrive carriage assembly 3. Topdrive drill head 25 provides a rotational drive force to the drill string such that the drill bit may be rotated to bore into the earth. The present invention may be used for several drilling methods including, but not limited to, rotary drilling by rotating the entire string, rotary hammer drilling by rotating the entire string, and directional drilling with a down-hole motor by rotating or holding the entire string. In addition, the drill string may be pushed downward to apply force to the drill bit by a downward movement of topdrive carriage assembly 3 alongfirst track 11 andsecond track 13 by the rotational engagement ofsprocket arrangements 27A-27D withbushings 15 offirst track 11 andsecond track 13. Once the entire length of the drill string has been bored into the earth, the upper end of the drill string is disengaged from topdrive drill head 25 and topdrive carriage assembly 3 is moved up alongfirst track 11 andsecond track 13 by reversing the direction of rotation ofsprocket arrangements 27A-27D. When topdrive carriage assembly 3 reaches a desired height along length L of mast 7, a new section of drill pipe is coupled at an upper end to topdrive drill head 25 and at a lower end to the upper end of the drill string. Topdrive drill head 25 provides a rotational drive force and/or control of downward movement and force to the newly added piece of drill pipe such that the drill bit bores into the earth at the desired rate. Downward movement of topdrive carriage assembly 3 alongfirst track 11 andsecond track 13 is provided by the rotational engagement ofsprocket arrangements 27A-27D withbushings 15 offirst track 11 andsecond track 13. This process is then repeated, with new pieces of drill pipe being added to the drill string until the desired drilling depth is reached. The drilling rig of the present invention as shown in the figures allows for thirty (30) foot long pieces of drill pipe to be added to the drill string during each operation. - Accordingly, the present invention provides a drive mechanism for a top drive carriage assembly that cures the deficiencies of prior art drive mechanisms. For instance, the present invention provides a drive mechanism that is easier and/or cheaper to manufacture than a typical rack and pinion system. In addition, the present invention provides a drive mechanism for a top drive carriage assembly that is easier to service compared to a gear rack of a conventional rack and pinion drive mechanism due to size wearing elements and the ability to replace one bushing at a time rather than an entire gear rack.
- Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.
Claims (20)
1. A drilling rig comprising:
a mast base;
a mast comprising a structural frame extending from the mast base, the structural frame including a first track extending along the length of the structural frame and a second track extending along the length of the structural frame spaced from and parallel to the first track; and
a top drive carriage assembly comprising at least one sprocket arrangement operatively engaged with one of the first track and the second track,
wherein the first track and the second track each comprise a plurality of bushings equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart track plates, and
the at least one sprocket arrangement comprises a plurality of teeth configured to operatively engage the plurality of bushings such that the top drive carriage assembly moves along the length of the structural frame of the mast.
2. The drilling rig of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of bushings is attached to the spaced apart track plates by a bolt and nut arrangement.
3. The drilling rig of claim 1 , wherein each of the first track and the second track further comprises wear plates positioned adjacent to the plurality of bushings to prevent wear on the track plates.
4. The drilling rig of claim 1 , wherein at least one first roller configured to move with the top drive carriage assembly is provided adjacent to outer edges of the spaced apart track plates of the first track and at least one second roller configured to move with the top drive carriage assembly is provided adjacent to outer edges of the spaced apart track plates of the second track.
5. The drilling rig of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sprocket arrangement is driven by a planetary gear arrangement driven by a hydraulic motor.
6. The drilling rig of claim 1 , wherein the top drive carriage assembly includes four sprocket arrangements.
7. The drilling rig of claim 6 , wherein two of the sprocket arrangements are operatively engaged with the first track and two of the sprocket arrangements are operatively engaged with the second track.
8. The drilling rig of claim 6 , wherein each of the sprocket arrangements is driven by a separate planetary gear arrangement driven by a hydraulic motor.
9. The drilling rig of claim 8 , further comprising a control panel having four on/off switches, a joystick control, and potentiometer knob for controlling four hydraulic pumps.
10. The drilling rig of claim 1 , wherein the sprocket arrangement is manufactured using a water-jet technique.
11. A drive mechanism for a top drive carriage assembly of a drilling rig comprising:
a track comprising a plurality of bushings equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart track plates; and
at least one sprocket arrangement operatively engaged with the track,
wherein the at least one sprocket arrangement comprises a plurality of teeth configured to operatively engage the plurality of bushings such that the sprocket assembly moves along the track.
12. The drive mechanism of claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality of bushings is attached to the spaced apart track plates by a bolt and nut arrangement.
13. The drive mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the track further comprises wear plates positioned adjacent to the plurality of bushings to prevent wear on the track plates.
14. A method of drilling comprising:
providing a drilling rig comprising:
a mast base;
a mast comprising a structural frame extending from the mast base, the structural frame including a first track extending along the length of the structural frame and a second track extending along the length of the structural frame spaced from and parallel to the first track, the first track and the second track each comprises a plurality of bushings equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart track plates;
a top drive carriage assembly comprising at least one sprocket arrangement operatively engaged with one of the first track and the second track; and
the at least one sprocket arrangement comprises a plurality of teeth configured to operatively engage the plurality of bushings such that the top drive carriage assembly moves along the length of the structural frame of the mast;
raising the mast onto the mast base such that it is substantially perpendicular to a surface;
coupling an upper end of a drill string having a drill bit at a lower end thereof to a top drive drill head of the top drive carriage assembly; and
providing a rotational drive force to the drill string by the top drive drill head such that the drill bit is rotated to bore into the earth.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of bushings is attached to the spaced apart track plates by a bolt and nut arrangement.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein each of the first track and the second track further comprises wear plates positioned adjacent to the plurality of bushings to prevent wear on the track plates.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein at least one first roller configured to move with the top drive carriage assembly is provided adjacent to outer edges of the spaced apart track plates of the first track and at least one second roller configured to move with the top drive carriage assembly is provided adjacent to outer edges of the spaced apart track plates of the second track.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the at least one sprocket arrangement is driven by a planetary gear arrangement driven by a hydraulic motor.
19. The method of claim 14 , wherein the top drive carriage assembly includes four sprocket arrangements.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein two of the sprocket arrangements are operatively engaged with the first track and two of the sprocket arrangements are operatively engaged with the second track.
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US12/693,992 US20100193247A1 (en) | 2009-01-30 | 2010-01-26 | Track and Sprocket Drive for Drilling |
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US14858209P | 2009-01-30 | 2009-01-30 | |
US12/693,992 US20100193247A1 (en) | 2009-01-30 | 2010-01-26 | Track and Sprocket Drive for Drilling |
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US20100193247A1 true US20100193247A1 (en) | 2010-08-05 |
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US12/693,992 Abandoned US20100193247A1 (en) | 2009-01-30 | 2010-01-26 | Track and Sprocket Drive for Drilling |
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US20140262519A1 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2014-09-18 | Nabors Drilling International Limited | Self-elevating mast employing drive carriage |
US9291010B1 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2016-03-22 | Canyon Oak Energy LLC | System for operating a drilling rig with a retracting guide dolly and a top drive |
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US11339565B2 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2022-05-24 | Nabors Drilling Technologies Usa, Inc | Mast assembly for drilling rig |
US11391101B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2022-07-19 | Falcon Tools, LLC | Bit breaker technology |
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US10392794B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2019-08-27 | Skyrise Global, Llc | Structure and method of making the same |
US20180080222A1 (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-03-22 | Skyrise Global, Llc | Structure and method of making the same |
US10550566B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2020-02-04 | Skyrise Global, Llc | Structure and method of making the same |
US10731327B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2020-08-04 | Skyrise Global, Llc | Structure and method of making the same |
US10428604B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2019-10-01 | Falcon Tools, LLC | Moveable jaw bit breaker technology |
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US11572687B2 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2023-02-07 | Nabors Drilling Technologies Usa, Inc. | Mast assembly for drilling rig |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: TARGET DRILLING, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RIDDLE, WESLEY C.;BARNETT, RYAN A.;REEL/FRAME:024228/0696 Effective date: 20100409 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |