US20140116676A1 - Support frame - Google Patents
Support frame Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140116676A1 US20140116676A1 US14/062,265 US201314062265A US2014116676A1 US 20140116676 A1 US20140116676 A1 US 20140116676A1 US 201314062265 A US201314062265 A US 201314062265A US 2014116676 A1 US2014116676 A1 US 2014116676A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lifting frame
- width
- members
- lifting
- yoke member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012827 research and development 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
- 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
-
- 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
- E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
Definitions
- the present invention comprises a frame for lifting and/or supporting equipment. More particularly, the present invention comprises a frame for lifting and/or supporting an injector or other equipment during continuous tubing operations. More particularly still, the present invention comprises a frame for lifting and/or supporting an injector or other equipment while continuous tubing operations are performed on a floating vessel.
- Lifting frames are frequently used to support well intervention activities and to provide a compensated window to facilitate the installation and use of surface equipment aboard floating vessels such as, for example, semisubmersible drilling rigs, drillships and/or other similar facilities.
- lifting frames are commonly used when performing continuous tubing operations from a semisubmersible rig, drill ship or other floating vessel.
- a continuous tubing injector and/or pressure-control equipment are typically positioned within such lifting frame, which is in turn attached to and supported by a rig's traveling block.
- a flow head and running string can also be attached to equipment lifted and/or supported by such a lifting frame.
- Conventional lifting frames generally comprise an upper horizontal yoke member, as well as a pair of substantially parallel vertical members extending from said upper member. Said parallel vertical members cooperate to define an inside width of a lifting frame—that is, said width is the dimension between the inner surfaces of said vertical members. Such width dimension must be sufficient to enable a continuous tubing injector head to fit between said parallel vertical lifting frame members.
- Such internal width dimension can vary depending upon a variety of factors. (By way of illustration, but not limitation, an inside width of 101′′ is currently required in order to accommodate virtually all existing injector heads).
- Said parallel vertical members of conventional lifting frames are typically constructed of either I-beams or tubular members having substantially uniform thickness or width.
- the inside width dimension combined with the thickness/width of said parallel vertical support members themselves, collectively define the external width of a lifting frame.
- space availability is not unlimited on many drilling rigs, drillships or other floating vessels, and derricks of different drilling rigs, drillships or other floating vessels frequently have different configurations or layouts.
- many rigs cannot accommodate lifting frames having certain external widths or side-to-side spans; in such cases, the external width dimension acts as a limiting factor.
- smaller lifting frames that is, lifting frames having a smaller external side-to-side dimension
- the lifting frame assembly of the present invention comprises an upper horizontal yoke member.
- a pair of substantially parallel vertical members extends from said upper member and forms the sides of said lifting frame.
- a lifting sub is attached to said upper yoke member thereby providing a means for connecting said lifting frame to a rig's traveling block or top drive assembly.
- a lower horizontal member is provided to permit attachment to bails or other linkage devices.
- the lifting frame of the present invention utilizes box beam masts, as opposed to conventional I-beams or tubular members, as said substantially parallel vertical members. Accordingly, the inside width dimension of the lifting frame—that is, the distance between the inner surfaces of said substantially vertical members—can be increased without simultaneously increasing the overall external width of said lifting frame.
- the lifting frame of the present invention comprises a slim frame that can be installed on virtually all known rigs, drillships and/or other similar vessels, while still being capable of accommodating virtually all known injector heads.
- FIG. 1 depicts an overhead view of a lifting frame of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of a lifting frame of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a lifting frame of the present invention, rotated ninety (90) degrees from the view depicted in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of a lifting frame of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 depicts an overhead view of a lifting frame 100 of the present invention.
- Lifting frame 100 comprises an upper horizontal yoke member 10 .
- Lifting sub 11 extends from said upper yoke member 10 thereby providing a means for connecting said lifting frame 100 to a rig's traveling block or top drive assembly (typically via a set of elevators or other linkage assembly).
- lifting frame 100 can be supported, and raised and lowered, within a derrick of a drilling rig.
- FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of lifting frame 100 of the present invention.
- Lifting frame 100 comprises an upper substantially horizontal yoke member 10 having lifting sub 11 extending from said upper yoke member 10 .
- optional winch assembly 12 can be mounted to the base of said upper yoke member 10 .
- a pair of substantially parallel vertical leg members 20 extends from said upper member and forms the sides of said lifting frame 100 .
- a lower, substantially horizontal base member 30 is provided at the bottom or distal ends of said vertical leg members 20 , and extends between said substantially parallel vertical leg members 20 . Said lower base member 30 permits attachment of bails or other linkage devices (not pictured in FIG. 2 ) to lifting frame of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of lifting frame 100 of the present invention, rotated ninety (90) degrees from the view depicted in FIG. 2 .
- lifting frame 100 comprises an upper substantially horizontal yoke member 10 having lifting sub 11 extending from said upper yoke member 10 .
- Optional winch assembly 12 is mounted to the base of said upper yoke member 10 .
- a pair of substantially parallel vertical members 20 extends from said upper member 10 , forming the sides of said lifting frame 100 .
- Lower base member 30 is provided at the bottom ends of said vertical members 20 , and extends between said substantially parallel vertical members 20 .
- a plurality of apertures 22 can extend through vertical members 20 ; among other benefits, apertures 22 reduce the overall weight of lifting frame 100 , without significantly decreasing the strength or functionality of the assembly.
- FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of lifting frame 100 of the present invention.
- Lifting frame 100 comprises an upper substantially horizontal yoke member 10 having lifting sub 11 extending from said upper yoke member 10 as well as optional winch assembly 12 .
- Substantially parallel vertical members 20 extend from said upper member 10 to form the sides of said lifting frame 100
- lower member 30 extends between said substantially parallel vertical members 20 .
- Apertures 22 extend through vertical members 20 .
- keyway slot 31 is formed within said lower base member 30 to provide an opening or pathway through said lower base member 30 (such as, for example, continuous tubing extending through an injector head supported by lifting frame 100 ).
- lifting frame 100 of the present invention utilizes substantially hollow box beam masts, as opposed to conventional I-beams or conventional tubular members of uniform thickness, to form substantially parallel vertical members 20 .
- Each of said members 20 has an area of reduced width or thickness 21 which are, at least partially, vertically aligned with each other along the lengths of said members 20 .
- dimension “x” represents the interior width or span between said substantially parallel vertical members 20 at such aligned areas of reduced thickness 21
- dimension “y” represents the exterior width of said substantially parallel vertical members 20 at such aligned areas of reduced width or thickness 21 .
- lifting frame 100 that is, the span or distance between the inner surfaces of said substantially vertical members 20 at aligned sections 21 (dimension “x”)—is increased without simultaneously increasing the overall external width (dimension “y”) of said lifting frame.
- lifting frame 100 of the present invention provides a slim frame that can be installed within the derrick of virtually all known rigs, drillships and/or other similar vessels, while still being capable of accommodating virtually all known injector head dimensions.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
A lifting frame having an upper yoke member and a pair of substantially parallel vertical members to forms the sides of the lifting frame. A lifting sub extends from the upper yoke member for connecting the lifting frame to a traveling block or top drive assembly, while a lower horizontal base member permits attachment to bails or other lower linkage members. The vertical members have at least partially aligned sections of reduced thickness, allowing the internal width dimension (between the inner surfaces of the substantially vertical members) to be increased without simultaneously increasing the overall external width of the lifting frame.
Description
- Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/718,529 filed Oct. 25, 2012, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.
- None
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention comprises a frame for lifting and/or supporting equipment. More particularly, the present invention comprises a frame for lifting and/or supporting an injector or other equipment during continuous tubing operations. More particularly still, the present invention comprises a frame for lifting and/or supporting an injector or other equipment while continuous tubing operations are performed on a floating vessel.
- 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
- Lifting frames are frequently used to support well intervention activities and to provide a compensated window to facilitate the installation and use of surface equipment aboard floating vessels such as, for example, semisubmersible drilling rigs, drillships and/or other similar facilities.
- As one example, lifting frames are commonly used when performing continuous tubing operations from a semisubmersible rig, drill ship or other floating vessel. In such instances, a continuous tubing injector and/or pressure-control equipment are typically positioned within such lifting frame, which is in turn attached to and supported by a rig's traveling block. A flow head and running string can also be attached to equipment lifted and/or supported by such a lifting frame. Such a configuration enables a rig's heave-compensation system to account for and offset vessel motion while such continuous tubing operations are being performed.
- Conventional lifting frames generally comprise an upper horizontal yoke member, as well as a pair of substantially parallel vertical members extending from said upper member. Said parallel vertical members cooperate to define an inside width of a lifting frame—that is, said width is the dimension between the inner surfaces of said vertical members. Such width dimension must be sufficient to enable a continuous tubing injector head to fit between said parallel vertical lifting frame members.
- Such internal width dimension can vary depending upon a variety of factors. (By way of illustration, but not limitation, an inside width of 101″ is currently required in order to accommodate virtually all existing injector heads). Said parallel vertical members of conventional lifting frames are typically constructed of either I-beams or tubular members having substantially uniform thickness or width.
- The inside width dimension, combined with the thickness/width of said parallel vertical support members themselves, collectively define the external width of a lifting frame. Unfortunately, space availability is not unlimited on many drilling rigs, drillships or other floating vessels, and derricks of different drilling rigs, drillships or other floating vessels frequently have different configurations or layouts. As a result, many rigs cannot accommodate lifting frames having certain external widths or side-to-side spans; in such cases, the external width dimension acts as a limiting factor. In such cases, smaller lifting frames (that is, lifting frames having a smaller external side-to-side dimension) may not have sufficient internal space or inner width dimension to accommodate certain continuous tubing injectors and/or other equipment.
- Thus, there is a need for a universal lifting frame that can be used for the lifting and support of equipment on drilling rigs and other floating vessels including, without limitation, continuous tubing injectors.
- The lifting frame assembly of the present invention comprises an upper horizontal yoke member. A pair of substantially parallel vertical members extends from said upper member and forms the sides of said lifting frame. A lifting sub is attached to said upper yoke member thereby providing a means for connecting said lifting frame to a rig's traveling block or top drive assembly. In a preferred embodiment, a lower horizontal member is provided to permit attachment to bails or other linkage devices.
- Unlike conventional devices, the lifting frame of the present invention utilizes box beam masts, as opposed to conventional I-beams or tubular members, as said substantially parallel vertical members. Accordingly, the inside width dimension of the lifting frame—that is, the distance between the inner surfaces of said substantially vertical members—can be increased without simultaneously increasing the overall external width of said lifting frame. The lifting frame of the present invention comprises a slim frame that can be installed on virtually all known rigs, drillships and/or other similar vessels, while still being capable of accommodating virtually all known injector heads.
- The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in such drawings or figures.
-
FIG. 1 depicts an overhead view of a lifting frame of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of a lifting frame of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a lifting frame of the present invention, rotated ninety (90) degrees from the view depicted inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of a lifting frame of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 depicts an overhead view of a liftingframe 100 of the present invention.Lifting frame 100 comprises an upperhorizontal yoke member 10. Lifting sub 11 extends from saidupper yoke member 10 thereby providing a means for connecting saidlifting frame 100 to a rig's traveling block or top drive assembly (typically via a set of elevators or other linkage assembly). When configured in this manner,lifting frame 100 can be supported, and raised and lowered, within a derrick of a drilling rig. -
FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of liftingframe 100 of the present invention.Lifting frame 100 comprises an upper substantiallyhorizontal yoke member 10 having lifting sub 11 extending from saidupper yoke member 10. In a preferred embodiment,optional winch assembly 12 can be mounted to the base of saidupper yoke member 10. - A pair of substantially parallel
vertical leg members 20 extends from said upper member and forms the sides of saidlifting frame 100. In a preferred embodiment, a lower, substantiallyhorizontal base member 30 is provided at the bottom or distal ends of saidvertical leg members 20, and extends between said substantially parallelvertical leg members 20. Saidlower base member 30 permits attachment of bails or other linkage devices (not pictured inFIG. 2 ) to lifting frame of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of liftingframe 100 of the present invention, rotated ninety (90) degrees from the view depicted inFIG. 2 . As depicted inFIG. 3 ,lifting frame 100 comprises an upper substantiallyhorizontal yoke member 10 having lifting sub 11 extending from saidupper yoke member 10.Optional winch assembly 12 is mounted to the base of saidupper yoke member 10. A pair of substantially parallelvertical members 20 extends from saidupper member 10, forming the sides of saidlifting frame 100.Lower base member 30 is provided at the bottom ends of saidvertical members 20, and extends between said substantially parallelvertical members 20. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality ofapertures 22 can extend throughvertical members 20; among other benefits,apertures 22 reduce the overall weight oflifting frame 100, without significantly decreasing the strength or functionality of the assembly. -
FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of liftingframe 100 of the present invention.Lifting frame 100 comprises an upper substantiallyhorizontal yoke member 10 having lifting sub 11 extending from saidupper yoke member 10 as well asoptional winch assembly 12. Substantially parallelvertical members 20 extend from saidupper member 10 to form the sides of saidlifting frame 100, whilelower member 30 extends between said substantially parallelvertical members 20.Apertures 22 extend throughvertical members 20. In a preferred embodiment,keyway slot 31 is formed within saidlower base member 30 to provide an opening or pathway through said lower base member 30 (such as, for example, continuous tubing extending through an injector head supported by lifting frame 100). - Referring back to
FIG. 2 , in a preferredembodiment lifting frame 100 of the present invention utilizes substantially hollow box beam masts, as opposed to conventional I-beams or conventional tubular members of uniform thickness, to form substantially parallelvertical members 20. Each of saidmembers 20 has an area of reduced width orthickness 21 which are, at least partially, vertically aligned with each other along the lengths of saidmembers 20. Still referring toFIG. 2 , dimension “x” represents the interior width or span between said substantially parallelvertical members 20 at such aligned areas of reducedthickness 21, while dimension “y” represents the exterior width of said substantially parallelvertical members 20 at such aligned areas of reduced width orthickness 21. - The inside width of lifting
frame 100—that is, the span or distance between the inner surfaces of said substantiallyvertical members 20 at aligned sections 21 (dimension “x”)—is increased without simultaneously increasing the overall external width (dimension “y”) of said lifting frame. As such, liftingframe 100 of the present invention provides a slim frame that can be installed within the derrick of virtually all known rigs, drillships and/or other similar vessels, while still being capable of accommodating virtually all known injector head dimensions. - The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.
Claims (7)
1. A lifting frame for supporting equipment within a derrick comprising:
a) a substantially horizontal yoke member;
b) a first elongate member having an upper end, a lower end, a length and a width, wherein said first elongate member is oriented substantially vertically, said upper end is connected to said substantially horizontal yoke member and said width of said first elongate member is reduced along a portion of said length;
c) a second elongate member having an upper end, a lower end, a length and a width, wherein said second elongate member is oriented substantially vertically and substantially parallel to said first elongate member, said upper end is connected to said substantially horizontal yoke member, and said width of said elongate member is reduced along a portion of said length; and
d) a lower base member connected to said lower ends of said first and second elongate members.
2. The lifting frame of claim 1 , wherein said portions of reduced width of said first and second elongate members are substantially vertically aligned with each other.
3. The lifting frame of claim 1 , wherein said first and second elongate members are constructed from substantially hollow tubular members.
4. The lifting frame of claim 3 , wherein said substantially hollow tubular members comprise box beams.
5. The lifting frame of claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of apertures extending through said tubular members.
6. The lifting frame of claim 1 , further comprising a lift sub disposed on said yoke member.
7. The lifting frame of claim 1 , further comprising a winch assembly disposed on said yoke member.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/062,265 US20140116676A1 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2013-10-24 | Support frame |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261718529P | 2012-10-25 | 2012-10-25 | |
US14/062,265 US20140116676A1 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2013-10-24 | Support frame |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140116676A1 true US20140116676A1 (en) | 2014-05-01 |
Family
ID=50545909
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/062,265 Abandoned US20140116676A1 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2013-10-24 | Support frame |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20140116676A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10995563B2 (en) | 2017-01-18 | 2021-05-04 | Minex Crc Ltd | Rotary drill head for coiled tubing drilling apparatus |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3695363A (en) * | 1970-09-24 | 1972-10-03 | Hughes Tool Co | Rotary shaft drilling apparatus |
US20100314121A1 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2010-12-16 | Soerenson Bjoern Bro | Well apparatus |
-
2013
- 2013-10-24 US US14/062,265 patent/US20140116676A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3695363A (en) * | 1970-09-24 | 1972-10-03 | Hughes Tool Co | Rotary shaft drilling apparatus |
US20100314121A1 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2010-12-16 | Soerenson Bjoern Bro | Well apparatus |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |