US20140262526A1 - Tubular handling apparatus - Google Patents
Tubular handling apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140262526A1 US20140262526A1 US14/213,766 US201414213766A US2014262526A1 US 20140262526 A1 US20140262526 A1 US 20140262526A1 US 201414213766 A US201414213766 A US 201414213766A US 2014262526 A1 US2014262526 A1 US 2014262526A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- gripping
- coupling
- tubular
- coupled
- 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
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 74
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 74
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 74
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 30
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 30
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 5
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
-
- 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
- E21B3/00—Rotary drilling
- E21B3/02—Surface drives for rotary drilling
- E21B3/022—Top drives
Definitions
- Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an apparatus for handling tubulars using top drive systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a tubular handling apparatus for engaging a tubular and rotating at the same time.
- top drive systems are used to rotate a drill string to form a borehole.
- Top drive systems may also be used in a drilling with casing operation to rotate the casing.
- Top drives require a gripping element to facilitate the gripping of tubulars, whether the tubular is a drill string or a casing, and therefore, there is a need for an apparatus for adapting the top drive and engaging and rotating a tubular.
- a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; and an actuation assembly for actuating the gripping assembly, wherein the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the actuation assembly.
- a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; a link assembly rotationally coupled to the mandrel; an actuator coupling rotationally coupled to the gripping assembly; and a plurality of actuators connected to the link assembly and the actuator coupling, wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to actuate the gripping assembly and the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the plurality of actuators.
- a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; a link assembly coupled to the mandrel using a first bearing assembly; and an actuation cylinder coupled to the link assembly and to a ring assembly, wherein the actuation cylinder axially moves the ring assembly relative to the link assembly, and wherein the gripping assembly is coupled to the ring assembly using a second bearing assembly.
- a method of handling a tubular using a top drive includes coupling a mandrel to the top drive; rotationally coupling a gripping assembly to the mandrel, wherein the gripping assembly is configured to grip a tubular; coupling an actuation assembly to the gripping assembly, wherein the actuation assembly is configured to actuate the gripping assembly; gripping the tubular using the gripping assembly; and rotating the gripping assembly and the tubular relative to the actuation assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus adapted to engage an external surface of a tubular;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular handling apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus adapted to engage an internal surface of a tubular;
- FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tubular handling apparatus shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus adapted to engage an external surface of the tubular.
- the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to herein as an external gripping tool 100 .
- the external gripping tool 100 generally includes a mandrel 110 for connecting to a top drive, a link assembly 120 , an actuator coupling such as a leveling ring assembly 160 , and a carrier 180 for gripping a tubular, which is also connected to the mandrel 110 .
- the link assembly 120 and the leveling ring assembly 160 may assist with axial loads and support actuation members such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders while the carrier 180 includes gripping elements 182 for gripping a tubular.
- the mandrel 110 is used to rotate the tubular via the carrier 180 .
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular handling apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
- the link assembly 120 includes a link support housing 122 and links 124 .
- the link support housing 122 includes a central opening 126 for receiving the mandrel 110 , and the link support housing 122 is connected to the mandrel 110 via a coupling ring 128 .
- the coupling ring 128 is attached to the mandrel 110 and rotates with the mandrel 110 .
- the coupling ring 128 could be a nut which threadedly attaches to an exterior surface of the mandrel 110 .
- a first bearing assembly 130 and a second bearing assembly 132 are coupled to the coupling ring 128 at an inner portion of the first and second bearing assemblies 130 , 132 , and the first and second bearing assemblies 130 , 132 are coupled to the link support housing 122 at an exterior portion of the first and second bearing assemblies 130 , 132 .
- the bearing assemblies 130 , 132 include an inner ring and an outer ring with balls disposed between the two rings. In such configuration, the coupling ring 128 is connected to the inner portion of the inner ring of the bearing assemblies 130 , 132 , and the link support housing 122 is connected to the exterior portion of the outer ring of the bearing assemblies 130 , 132 .
- the first bearing assembly 130 is positioned at an upper portion of the link support housing 122 and an upper portion of the coupling ring 128 .
- the coupling ring 128 includes an upper shoulder or groove for accepting the first bearing assembly 130 .
- An optional retainer 134 may be used to retain the bearing assembly.
- the second bearing assembly 132 is positioned at a lower portion of the link support housing 122 and a lower portion of the coupling ring 128 .
- the coupling ring 128 includes a lower shoulder or groove for accepting the second bearing assembly 132 .
- the link support housing 122 is connected to the mandrel 110 via the coupling ring 128 and first and second bearing assemblies 130 , 132 , the link support assembly 120 does not rotate with the mandrel 110 . However, axial loads experienced by the links 124 may be transferred to the mandrel 110 via the bearing assemblies 130 , 132 . Further, because the bearing assemblies 130 , 132 are positioned at a top and bottom portion of the link support housing 122 , the first and second bearing assemblies 130 , 132 balance the loads acting on the assemblies 130 , 132 .
- a torque reaction bracket may be attached to the link support assembly 120 to prevent the link support housing 122 from rotating in relation to the mandrel 110 and the coupling ring 128 .
- One end of the torque reaction bracket may be coupled to the link support assembly 120 and the other end of the torque reaction bracket may be coupled to a rotationally fixed location, such as a rail on a drilling derrick or part of the top drive.
- the torque reaction bracket may be attached to the leveling ring member 162 of the leveling ring assembly 160 to prevent rotation of the leveling ring member 162 .
- One end of the torque reaction bracket may be coupled to the leveling ring member 162 and the other end of the torque reaction bracket may be coupled to a rotationally fixed location, such as a rail on a drilling derrick or part of the top drive.
- Actuation cylinders 136 are coupled to the link support assembly 120 and to the leveling ring assembly 160 .
- the actuation cylinders 136 are coupled to the link support housing 122 of the link support assembly 120 and a leveling ring member 162 of the leveling ring assembly 160 .
- the actuation cylinders 136 allow the leveling ring assembly 160 to be axially moved relative to the link support assembly 120 .
- torque support bars 138 (shown in FIG. 1 ), which in one embodiment are telescoping torque support bars, may optionally be connected to the link support assembly 120 and the leveling ring assembly 160 in order to provide structural support to the tubular handling apparatus 100 .
- the torque support bars 138 may also keep the link support assembly 120 aligned with the leveling ring assembly 160 .
- the leveling ring assembly 160 includes a leveling ring member 162 that is connected to a slip link coupling 164 .
- the leveling ring member 162 and slip link coupling 164 are connected by a first and second leveling ring bearing assembly 170 , 172 .
- the leveling ring 160 forms an outer ring and the slip link coupling 164 forms an inner ring.
- the slip link coupling 164 is coupled a slip link assembly 176 , which is coupled to the carrier 180 . Because the carrier 180 is connected to the mandrel 110 , which rotates, the slip link assembly 176 and the slip link coupling 164 also rotate.
- the leveling ring member 162 which does not rotate, is connected to the slip link coupling 164 by the first and second leveling ring bearing assemblies 170 , 172 . Further, the leveling ring member 162 may be prevented from rotating by the actuation cylinders 136 and the optional torque support bars 138 .
- the slip link assembly 176 may include one or more links 178 that are connected to gripping elements 182 , which are disposed in a window of the carrier 180 .
- the slip link assembly 176 axially moves with the leveling ring assembly 160 , the links 178 move the gripping elements 182 within the carrier 180 .
- the leveling ring assembly 160 helps ensure that the gripping elements 182 move in unison.
- the actuation cylinders 136 can be retracted to move the leveling ring assembly 160 upwards relative to the link assembly 120 .
- the links 178 of the slip link assembly 176 move upwards with the leveling ring assembly 160 , thereby lifting the gripping elements 182 upward to the non-gripping position.
- the links keep the gripping elements 182 in the proper position relative to the window.
- the actuation cylinders 136 When the actuation cylinders 136 are in an extended position, the leveling ring assembly 160 is furthest down axially, and the links 178 position the gripping elements 182 in a gripping position.
- the top drive may rotate the mandrel 110 and the clamped tubular.
- the actuation cylinders 136 may be actuated to move back to their retracted position, which in turn will move the leveling ring assembly 160 and slip link assembly 176 up relative to the carrier 180 , thereby causing the gripping elements 182 to release the tubular.
- the internal gripping tool 200 may be equipped with a fill-up tool 290 .
- a bracket 190 (shown in FIG. 1 ) is connected to two of the links 124 .
- the bracket 190 keeps the links 124 aligned during operation. For example, during pick up of a tubular, the bracket 190 prevents the links 124 from twisting relative to each other.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus adapted to engage an internal surface of the tubular, and will be referred to herein as an internal gripping tool 200 .
- the internal gripping tool 200 generally includes a mandrel 210 for connecting to a top drive and rotating the tubular, a link assembly 220 for supporting bails, a hydraulic actuator 218 , which is in part supported by the link assembly 220 , and gripping elements 280 for gripping a tubular from the internal surface of the tubular when actuated by the hydraulic actuator 218 .
- the internal gripping tool 200 may be equipped with a fill-up tool 290 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of the internal gripping tool 200 shown in FIG. 3 .
- the link assembly 220 includes a link support housing 222 that includes a central opening 226 for receiving the mandrel 210 , and the link support housing 222 is connected to the mandrel 210 via a coupling ring 228 .
- the coupling ring 228 is attached to the mandrel 210 and rotates with the mandrel 110 .
- the coupling ring 228 could be a nut which threadedly attaches to an exterior surface of the mandrel 210 .
- a first bearing assembly 230 and a second bearing assembly 232 are coupled to the coupling ring 228 at an inner portion of the first and second bearing assemblies 230 , 232 , and the first and second bearing assemblies 230 , 232 are coupled to the link support housing 222 at an exterior portion of the first and second bearing assemblies 230 , 232 .
- the bearing assemblies 230 , 232 include an inner ring and an outer ring with balls disposed between the two rings.
- the coupling ring 228 is coupled to the inner portion of the inner ring of the bearing assemblies 230 , 232
- the link support housing 222 is coupled to the exterior portion of the outer ring of the bearing assemblies 230 , 232 . As shown in FIG.
- the first bearing assembly 230 is positioned at an upper portion of the link assembly 220 and at an upper portion of the coupling ring 228 .
- the coupling ring 228 includes an upper shoulder or groove for accepting the first bearing assembly 230 .
- the second bearing assembly 232 is positioned at a lower portion of the link assembly 220 and a lower portion of the coupling ring 228 .
- the coupling ring 228 includes a lower shoulder or groove for accepting the second bearing assembly 232 . Because the link support housing 222 is connected to the mandrel 210 via the coupling ring 228 and first and second bearing assemblies 230 , 232 , the link support assembly 220 does not rotate with the mandrel 210 .
- a torque reaction bracket may be provided to attach the non-rotating components to a fixture, such as a rail on a drilling derrick.
- the hydraulic actuator 218 includes one or more actuation cylinders 236 , which are coupled to the link support assembly 220 at an upper end, and coupled to an engagement plate 240 at a lower end.
- Bolts 224 or any other suitable fastening mechanism known to one skilled in the art, such as a pin connection, may be used to fasten the actuation cylinders 236 to the link support assembly 220 and the engagement plate 240 .
- torque support bars 238 shown in FIG. 3 which in one embodiment are telescoping torque support bars, may optionally be connected to the link assembly 220 and the engagement plate 240 in order to provide structural support to the tubular handling apparatus 200 .
- An actuator coupling 242 is positioned between the actuation cylinders 236 and the engagement plate 240 , and extends from the actuation cylinders 236 to an actuator pipe 250 .
- the actuator pipe 250 is connected to the gripping elements 280 .
- the actuator coupling 242 is connected to the actuator pipe 250 by a third bearing assembly 244 .
- the actuator coupling 242 is disposed around the actuator pipe 250 . Because the actuator pipe 250 is connected to the gripping elements 280 , which in turn are coupled to the mandrel 210 , the actuator pipe 250 rotates with the mandrel 210 . However, because the actuator pipe 250 is connected to the actuator coupling 242 via the third bearing assembly 244 , the actuator coupling 242 remains stationary along with the actuation cylinders 236 and the engagement plate 240 .
- Actuation of the actuation cylinders 236 urges axial movement of the actuator coupling 242 and actuator pipe 250 .
- actuation cylinders 236 When the actuation cylinders 236 are actuated to expand, a portion of the cylinders move downwards relative to the link support assembly 220 .
- the gripping elements 280 are moved axially downwards relative to the mandrel 110 and result in the internal gripping tool 200 gripping the internal portion of the tubular.
- the actuation cylinders 236 are actuated to contract, a portion of the cylinders move upwards relative to the link support assembly 220 .
- the gripping elements 280 are moved axially upwards relative to the mandrel 110 and result in the internal gripping tool 200 releasing the internal portion of the tubular.
- the internal gripping tool 200 is positioned within an inner diameter of a tubular.
- the upper end of the tubular may engage or is proximate a bottom portion of the engagement plate 240 .
- the gripping elements 280 may be actuated by the non-rotating actuation cylinders 236 to grip an internal surface of the tubular.
- the actuation cylinders 236 are isolated from rotation by first, second, and third bearing assemblies 230 , 232 , 244 that provide a connection between the link support assembly 220 to the mandrel 210 and the connection between the actuator coupling 242 and engagement plate 240 to the mandrel 210 .
- the engagement plate 240 may act to limit the vertical position of the tubular relative to the internal gripping tool 200 .
- the mandrel 210 may be rotated by the top drive to thread one joint of the gripped tubular to another tubular.
- the actuation cylinders 236 that position the gripping elements 280 relative to the tubular do not rotate and are able to maintain the appropriate tension on the gripping elements 280 .
- the top drive may stop rotation of the mandrel 210 , and the gripping elements 280 may be actuated by the actuation cylinders 236 to release the internal surface of the tubular.
- a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; a link assembly rotationally coupled to the mandrel; an actuator coupling rotationally coupled to the gripping assembly; and a plurality of actuators connected to the link assembly and the actuator coupling, wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to actuate the gripping assembly and the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the plurality of actuators.
- a slip link coupling is disposed around the actuator coupling.
- the plurality of actuators are connected to the actuator coupling and the gripping assembly is coupled to the slip link coupling.
- the gripping assembly is configured to grip an exterior surface of a tubular.
- the actuator coupling is disposed around an actuator pipe.
- the gripping assembly is configured to grip an interior surface of a tubular.
- the plurality of actuators are configured to axially move the actuator coupling.
- the actuator coupling comprises a leveling ring.
- one or more bearing assemblies couples the actuator coupling to the gripping assembly.
- the plurality of actuators comprise a piston and cylinder assembly.
- the actuator coupling is axially moved relative to the link assembly.
- one or more bearing assemblies rotationally couples the link assembly to the mandrel.
- a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; a link assembly coupled to the mandrel using a first bearing assembly; and a plurality of actuation cylinders coupled to the link assembly and to a ring assembly, wherein the plurality of actuation cylinders axially move the ring assembly relative to the link assembly, and wherein the gripping assembly is coupled to the ring assembly using a second bearing assembly.
- a torque reaction bracket is coupled to the link assembly and to a rotationally fixed location to prevent the link assembly from rotating.
- a torque support bar is coupled to the link assembly and the ring assembly to provide structural support.
- the gripping assembly includes a plurality of gripping elements coupled to a housing.
- the gripping elements engage an external surface of the tubular.
- the gripping assembly includes a plurality of gripping elements coupled to an actuator pipe.
- the gripping elements engage an internal surface of the tubular.
- a method of handling a tubular using a top drive includes coupling a mandrel to the top drive; rotationally coupling a gripping assembly to the mandrel, wherein the gripping assembly is configured to grip a tubular; coupling a link assembly to the mandrel; disposing a plurality of actuation assemblies between the link assembly and a slip coupling, wherein the plurality of actuation assemblies are configured to actuate the gripping assembly; actuating the gripping assembly to grip the tubular by moving the slip coupling axially relative to the link assembly; and rotating the gripping assembly and the tubular relative to the plurality of actuation assemblies.
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Abstract
In one embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; and an actuation assembly for actuating the gripping assembly, wherein the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the actuation assembly.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an apparatus for handling tubulars using top drive systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a tubular handling apparatus for engaging a tubular and rotating at the same time.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In the drilling and completion of wells, top drive systems are used to rotate a drill string to form a borehole. Top drive systems may also be used in a drilling with casing operation to rotate the casing. Top drives require a gripping element to facilitate the gripping of tubulars, whether the tubular is a drill string or a casing, and therefore, there is a need for an apparatus for adapting the top drive and engaging and rotating a tubular.
- In one embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; and an actuation assembly for actuating the gripping assembly, wherein the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the actuation assembly.
- In another embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; a link assembly rotationally coupled to the mandrel; an actuator coupling rotationally coupled to the gripping assembly; and a plurality of actuators connected to the link assembly and the actuator coupling, wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to actuate the gripping assembly and the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the plurality of actuators.
- In another embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; a link assembly coupled to the mandrel using a first bearing assembly; and an actuation cylinder coupled to the link assembly and to a ring assembly, wherein the actuation cylinder axially moves the ring assembly relative to the link assembly, and wherein the gripping assembly is coupled to the ring assembly using a second bearing assembly.
- In another embodiment, a method of handling a tubular using a top drive includes coupling a mandrel to the top drive; rotationally coupling a gripping assembly to the mandrel, wherein the gripping assembly is configured to grip a tubular; coupling an actuation assembly to the gripping assembly, wherein the actuation assembly is configured to actuate the gripping assembly; gripping the tubular using the gripping assembly; and rotating the gripping assembly and the tubular relative to the actuation assembly.
- So that the manner in which the above recited features of the invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus adapted to engage an external surface of a tubular; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular handling apparatus shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus adapted to engage an internal surface of a tubular; and -
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tubular handling apparatus shown inFIG. 3 . - Embodiments of the invention provide a tubular handling apparatus for use with a top drive to engage and rotate a tubular such as a casing.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus adapted to engage an external surface of the tubular. The apparatus shown inFIG. 1 will be referred to herein as anexternal gripping tool 100. Theexternal gripping tool 100 generally includes amandrel 110 for connecting to a top drive, alink assembly 120, an actuator coupling such as aleveling ring assembly 160, and acarrier 180 for gripping a tubular, which is also connected to themandrel 110. Thelink assembly 120 and theleveling ring assembly 160 may assist with axial loads and support actuation members such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders while thecarrier 180 includesgripping elements 182 for gripping a tubular. Themandrel 110 is used to rotate the tubular via thecarrier 180. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular handling apparatus shown inFIG. 1 . Thelink assembly 120 includes alink support housing 122 andlinks 124. Thelink support housing 122 includes acentral opening 126 for receiving themandrel 110, and thelink support housing 122 is connected to themandrel 110 via acoupling ring 128. Thecoupling ring 128 is attached to themandrel 110 and rotates with themandrel 110. In one embodiment, thecoupling ring 128 could be a nut which threadedly attaches to an exterior surface of themandrel 110. - A
first bearing assembly 130 and a second bearingassembly 132 are coupled to thecoupling ring 128 at an inner portion of the first andsecond bearing assemblies second bearing assemblies link support housing 122 at an exterior portion of the first and second bearingassemblies coupling ring 128 is connected to the inner portion of the inner ring of thebearing assemblies link support housing 122 is connected to the exterior portion of the outer ring of thebearing assemblies - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thefirst bearing assembly 130 is positioned at an upper portion of thelink support housing 122 and an upper portion of thecoupling ring 128. In one embodiment, thecoupling ring 128 includes an upper shoulder or groove for accepting thefirst bearing assembly 130. Anoptional retainer 134 may be used to retain the bearing assembly. The second bearingassembly 132 is positioned at a lower portion of thelink support housing 122 and a lower portion of thecoupling ring 128. In one embodiment, thecoupling ring 128 includes a lower shoulder or groove for accepting thesecond bearing assembly 132. Because thelink support housing 122 is connected to themandrel 110 via thecoupling ring 128 and first andsecond bearing assemblies link support assembly 120 does not rotate with themandrel 110. However, axial loads experienced by thelinks 124 may be transferred to themandrel 110 via thebearing assemblies bearing assemblies link support housing 122, the first andsecond bearing assemblies assemblies - In one embodiment, a torque reaction bracket may be attached to the
link support assembly 120 to prevent thelink support housing 122 from rotating in relation to themandrel 110 and thecoupling ring 128. One end of the torque reaction bracket may be coupled to thelink support assembly 120 and the other end of the torque reaction bracket may be coupled to a rotationally fixed location, such as a rail on a drilling derrick or part of the top drive. In another embodiment, the torque reaction bracket may be attached to theleveling ring member 162 of theleveling ring assembly 160 to prevent rotation of theleveling ring member 162. One end of the torque reaction bracket may be coupled to the levelingring member 162 and the other end of the torque reaction bracket may be coupled to a rotationally fixed location, such as a rail on a drilling derrick or part of the top drive. -
Actuation cylinders 136 are coupled to thelink support assembly 120 and to theleveling ring assembly 160. In one embodiment, theactuation cylinders 136 are coupled to thelink support housing 122 of thelink support assembly 120 and aleveling ring member 162 of theleveling ring assembly 160. Theactuation cylinders 136 allow theleveling ring assembly 160 to be axially moved relative to thelink support assembly 120. In addition, torque support bars 138 (shown inFIG. 1 ), which in one embodiment are telescoping torque support bars, may optionally be connected to thelink support assembly 120 and theleveling ring assembly 160 in order to provide structural support to thetubular handling apparatus 100. Thetorque support bars 138 may also keep thelink support assembly 120 aligned with theleveling ring assembly 160. - The
leveling ring assembly 160 includes aleveling ring member 162 that is connected to aslip link coupling 164. The levelingring member 162 andslip link coupling 164 are connected by a first and second levelingring bearing assembly leveling ring 160 forms an outer ring and theslip link coupling 164 forms an inner ring. Theslip link coupling 164 is coupled aslip link assembly 176, which is coupled to thecarrier 180. Because thecarrier 180 is connected to themandrel 110, which rotates, theslip link assembly 176 and theslip link coupling 164 also rotate. However, theleveling ring member 162, which does not rotate, is connected to theslip link coupling 164 by the first and second levelingring bearing assemblies ring member 162 may be prevented from rotating by theactuation cylinders 136 and the optionaltorque support bars 138. - The
slip link assembly 176 may include one ormore links 178 that are connected to grippingelements 182, which are disposed in a window of thecarrier 180. As theslip link assembly 176 axially moves with theleveling ring assembly 160, thelinks 178 move thegripping elements 182 within thecarrier 180. Theleveling ring assembly 160 helps ensure that thegripping elements 182 move in unison. Theactuation cylinders 136 can be retracted to move theleveling ring assembly 160 upwards relative to thelink assembly 120. In turn, thelinks 178 of theslip link assembly 176 move upwards with the levelingring assembly 160, thereby lifting thegripping elements 182 upward to the non-gripping position. In one embodiment, the links keep thegripping elements 182 in the proper position relative to the window. When theactuation cylinders 136 are in an extended position, the levelingring assembly 160 is furthest down axially, and thelinks 178 position thegripping elements 182 in a gripping position. Once the tubular is clamped, the top drive may rotate themandrel 110 and the clamped tubular. To unclamp the tubular, theactuation cylinders 136 may be actuated to move back to their retracted position, which in turn will move the levelingring assembly 160 and sliplink assembly 176 up relative to thecarrier 180, thereby causing thegripping elements 182 to release the tubular. Optionally, the internalgripping tool 200 may be equipped with a fill-uptool 290. - In one embodiment, a bracket 190 (shown in
FIG. 1 ) is connected to two of thelinks 124. Thebracket 190 keeps thelinks 124 aligned during operation. For example, during pick up of a tubular, thebracket 190 prevents thelinks 124 from twisting relative to each other. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus adapted to engage an internal surface of the tubular, and will be referred to herein as an internalgripping tool 200. The internalgripping tool 200 generally includes amandrel 210 for connecting to a top drive and rotating the tubular, alink assembly 220 for supporting bails, ahydraulic actuator 218, which is in part supported by thelink assembly 220, andgripping elements 280 for gripping a tubular from the internal surface of the tubular when actuated by thehydraulic actuator 218. Optionally, the internalgripping tool 200 may be equipped with a fill-uptool 290. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of the internalgripping tool 200 shown inFIG. 3 . Thelink assembly 220 includes alink support housing 222 that includes acentral opening 226 for receiving themandrel 210, and thelink support housing 222 is connected to themandrel 210 via acoupling ring 228. Thecoupling ring 228 is attached to themandrel 210 and rotates with themandrel 110. In one embodiment, thecoupling ring 228 could be a nut which threadedly attaches to an exterior surface of themandrel 210. - A
first bearing assembly 230 and asecond bearing assembly 232 are coupled to thecoupling ring 228 at an inner portion of the first andsecond bearing assemblies second bearing assemblies link support housing 222 at an exterior portion of the first andsecond bearing assemblies assemblies coupling ring 228 is coupled to the inner portion of the inner ring of the bearingassemblies link support housing 222 is coupled to the exterior portion of the outer ring of the bearingassemblies FIG. 4 , thefirst bearing assembly 230 is positioned at an upper portion of thelink assembly 220 and at an upper portion of thecoupling ring 228. In one embodiment, thecoupling ring 228 includes an upper shoulder or groove for accepting thefirst bearing assembly 230. Thesecond bearing assembly 232 is positioned at a lower portion of thelink assembly 220 and a lower portion of thecoupling ring 228. In one embodiment, thecoupling ring 228 includes a lower shoulder or groove for accepting thesecond bearing assembly 232. Because thelink support housing 222 is connected to themandrel 210 via thecoupling ring 228 and first andsecond bearing assemblies link support assembly 220 does not rotate with themandrel 210. A torque reaction bracket may be provided to attach the non-rotating components to a fixture, such as a rail on a drilling derrick. - The
hydraulic actuator 218 includes one ormore actuation cylinders 236, which are coupled to thelink support assembly 220 at an upper end, and coupled to anengagement plate 240 at a lower end.Bolts 224 or any other suitable fastening mechanism known to one skilled in the art, such as a pin connection, may be used to fasten theactuation cylinders 236 to thelink support assembly 220 and theengagement plate 240. Optionally, torque support bars 238 shown inFIG. 3 , which in one embodiment are telescoping torque support bars, may optionally be connected to thelink assembly 220 and theengagement plate 240 in order to provide structural support to thetubular handling apparatus 200. - An
actuator coupling 242 is positioned between theactuation cylinders 236 and theengagement plate 240, and extends from theactuation cylinders 236 to anactuator pipe 250. Theactuator pipe 250 is connected to thegripping elements 280. Theactuator coupling 242 is connected to theactuator pipe 250 by athird bearing assembly 244. As shown, theactuator coupling 242 is disposed around theactuator pipe 250. Because theactuator pipe 250 is connected to thegripping elements 280, which in turn are coupled to themandrel 210, theactuator pipe 250 rotates with themandrel 210. However, because theactuator pipe 250 is connected to theactuator coupling 242 via thethird bearing assembly 244, theactuator coupling 242 remains stationary along with theactuation cylinders 236 and theengagement plate 240. - Actuation of the
actuation cylinders 236 urges axial movement of theactuator coupling 242 andactuator pipe 250. When theactuation cylinders 236 are actuated to expand, a portion of the cylinders move downwards relative to thelink support assembly 220. Thegripping elements 280 are moved axially downwards relative to themandrel 110 and result in the internalgripping tool 200 gripping the internal portion of the tubular. When theactuation cylinders 236 are actuated to contract, a portion of the cylinders move upwards relative to thelink support assembly 220. Thegripping elements 280 are moved axially upwards relative to themandrel 110 and result in the internalgripping tool 200 releasing the internal portion of the tubular. - In use, the internal
gripping tool 200 is positioned within an inner diameter of a tubular. The upper end of the tubular may engage or is proximate a bottom portion of theengagement plate 240. Thegripping elements 280 may be actuated by thenon-rotating actuation cylinders 236 to grip an internal surface of the tubular. As discussed above, theactuation cylinders 236 are isolated from rotation by first, second, andthird bearing assemblies link support assembly 220 to themandrel 210 and the connection between theactuator coupling 242 andengagement plate 240 to themandrel 210. Theengagement plate 240 may act to limit the vertical position of the tubular relative to the internalgripping tool 200. After the internalgripping tool 200 grips the internal surface of the tubular, themandrel 210 may be rotated by the top drive to thread one joint of the gripped tubular to another tubular. As themandrel 210 and thegripping elements 280 rotate, theactuation cylinders 236 that position thegripping elements 280 relative to the tubular do not rotate and are able to maintain the appropriate tension on thegripping elements 280. After the tubulars are made up or threaded together, the top drive may stop rotation of themandrel 210, and thegripping elements 280 may be actuated by theactuation cylinders 236 to release the internal surface of the tubular. - In one embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; a link assembly rotationally coupled to the mandrel; an actuator coupling rotationally coupled to the gripping assembly; and a plurality of actuators connected to the link assembly and the actuator coupling, wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to actuate the gripping assembly and the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the plurality of actuators.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, a slip link coupling is disposed around the actuator coupling.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of actuators are connected to the actuator coupling and the gripping assembly is coupled to the slip link coupling.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the gripping assembly is configured to grip an exterior surface of a tubular.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the actuator coupling is disposed around an actuator pipe.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the gripping assembly is configured to grip an interior surface of a tubular.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of actuators are configured to axially move the actuator coupling.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the actuator coupling comprises a leveling ring.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, one or more bearing assemblies couples the actuator coupling to the gripping assembly.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of actuators comprise a piston and cylinder assembly.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the actuator coupling is axially moved relative to the link assembly.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, one or more bearing assemblies rotationally couples the link assembly to the mandrel.
- In another embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; a link assembly coupled to the mandrel using a first bearing assembly; and a plurality of actuation cylinders coupled to the link assembly and to a ring assembly, wherein the plurality of actuation cylinders axially move the ring assembly relative to the link assembly, and wherein the gripping assembly is coupled to the ring assembly using a second bearing assembly.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, a torque reaction bracket is coupled to the link assembly and to a rotationally fixed location to prevent the link assembly from rotating.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, a torque support bar is coupled to the link assembly and the ring assembly to provide structural support.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the gripping assembly includes a plurality of gripping elements coupled to a housing.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the gripping elements engage an external surface of the tubular.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the gripping assembly includes a plurality of gripping elements coupled to an actuator pipe.
- In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the gripping elements engage an internal surface of the tubular.
- In another embodiment, a method of handling a tubular using a top drive includes coupling a mandrel to the top drive; rotationally coupling a gripping assembly to the mandrel, wherein the gripping assembly is configured to grip a tubular; coupling a link assembly to the mandrel; disposing a plurality of actuation assemblies between the link assembly and a slip coupling, wherein the plurality of actuation assemblies are configured to actuate the gripping assembly; actuating the gripping assembly to grip the tubular by moving the slip coupling axially relative to the link assembly; and rotating the gripping assembly and the tubular relative to the plurality of actuation assemblies.
- While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
Claims (20)
1. A tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive, comprising:
a mandrel coupled to the top drive;
a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel;
a link assembly rotationally coupled to the mandrel;
an actuator coupling rotationally coupled to the gripping assembly; and
a plurality of actuators connected to the link assembly and the actuator coupling, wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to actuate the gripping assembly and the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the plurality of actuators.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a slip link coupling disposed around the actuator coupling.
3. The assembly of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of actuators are connected to the actuator coupling and the gripping assembly is coupled to the slip link coupling.
4. The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the gripping assembly is configured to grip an exterior surface of a tubular.
5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuator coupling is disposed around an actuator pipe.
6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the gripping assembly is configured to grip an interior surface of a tubular.
7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to axially move the actuator coupling.
8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuator coupling comprises a leveling ring.
9. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising one or more bearing assemblies for coupling the actuator coupling to the gripping assembly.
10. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of actuators comprise a piston and cylinder assembly.
11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuator coupling is axially moved relative to the link assembly.
12. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising one or more bearing assemblies for rotationally coupling the link assembly to the mandrel.
13. A tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive, comprising:
a mandrel coupled to the top drive;
a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel;
a link assembly coupled to the mandrel using a first bearing assembly; and
a plurality of actuation cylinders coupled to the link assembly and to a ring assembly, wherein the plurality of actuation cylinders axially move the ring assembly relative to the link assembly, and
wherein the gripping assembly is coupled to the ring assembly using a second bearing assembly.
14. The assembly of claim 13 , further comprising a torque reaction bracket that is coupled to the link assembly and to a rotationally fixed location to prevent the link assembly from rotating.
15. The assembly of claim 13 , further comprising a torque support bar that is coupled to the link assembly and the ring assembly to provide structural support.
16. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the gripping assembly includes a plurality of gripping elements coupled to a housing.
17. The assembly of claim 16 , the gripping elements engage an external surface of the tubular.
18. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the gripping assembly includes a plurality of gripping elements coupled to an actuator pipe.
19. The assembly of claim 18 , wherein the gripping elements engage an internal surface of the tubular.
20. A method of handling a tubular using a top drive, comprising:
coupling a mandrel to the top drive;
rotationally coupling a gripping assembly to the mandrel, wherein the gripping assembly is configured to grip a tubular;
coupling a link assembly to the mandrel;
disposing a plurality of actuation assemblies between the link assembly and a slip coupling, wherein the plurality of actuation assemblies are configured to actuate the gripping assembly;
actuating the gripping assembly to grip the tubular by moving the slip coupling axially relative to the link assembly; and
rotating the gripping assembly and the tubular relative to the plurality of actuation assemblies.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/213,766 US20140262526A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-14 | Tubular handling apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361790704P | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | |
US14/213,766 US20140262526A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-14 | Tubular handling apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140262526A1 true US20140262526A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
Family
ID=50440888
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/213,766 Abandoned US20140262526A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-14 | Tubular handling apparatus |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140262526A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2971447A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2014228490B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2903578A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014144872A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130341042A1 (en) * | 2012-06-21 | 2013-12-26 | Complete Production Services, Inc. | Gripping attachment for use with drive systems |
USD877785S1 (en) * | 2019-07-25 | 2020-03-10 | Funk Manufacturing Up-Z-Dazy, Inc. | Frame for a well pipe installation device |
USD1006077S1 (en) * | 2023-05-31 | 2023-11-28 | Wenli ZENG | PVC pipe reamer |
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US6976298B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2005-12-20 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for connecting tubulars using a top drive |
US20090121507A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-14 | Willis Clyde A | Apparatus for gripping a down hole tubular for use in a drilling machine |
US20090314496A1 (en) * | 2008-03-28 | 2009-12-24 | Frank's Casing Crew And Rental Tools, Inc. | Multipurpose Tubular Running Tool |
US8439338B2 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2013-05-14 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Rotary table device provided with cooling structure and rotary bearing provided with cooling structure |
Family Cites Families (2)
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US8141642B2 (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2012-03-27 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Fill up and circulation tool and mudsaver valve |
US8439121B2 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2013-05-14 | Tesco Corporation | Hydraulic interlock system between casing gripper and spider |
-
2014
- 2014-03-14 EP EP14715812.5A patent/EP2971447A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-03-14 CA CA2903578A patent/CA2903578A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-03-14 US US14/213,766 patent/US20140262526A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-03-14 AU AU2014228490A patent/AU2014228490B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2014-03-14 WO PCT/US2014/029464 patent/WO2014144872A2/en active Application Filing
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US6976298B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2005-12-20 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for connecting tubulars using a top drive |
US20090121507A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-14 | Willis Clyde A | Apparatus for gripping a down hole tubular for use in a drilling machine |
US8439338B2 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2013-05-14 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Rotary table device provided with cooling structure and rotary bearing provided with cooling structure |
US20090314496A1 (en) * | 2008-03-28 | 2009-12-24 | Frank's Casing Crew And Rental Tools, Inc. | Multipurpose Tubular Running Tool |
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âTraining â How does a Top Drive Work.â Rigzone.com, n.d. Web. 25 July 2016. * |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130341042A1 (en) * | 2012-06-21 | 2013-12-26 | Complete Production Services, Inc. | Gripping attachment for use with drive systems |
USD877785S1 (en) * | 2019-07-25 | 2020-03-10 | Funk Manufacturing Up-Z-Dazy, Inc. | Frame for a well pipe installation device |
USD1006077S1 (en) * | 2023-05-31 | 2023-11-28 | Wenli ZENG | PVC pipe reamer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2014228490B2 (en) | 2017-04-13 |
AU2014228490A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
EP2971447A2 (en) | 2016-01-20 |
WO2014144872A3 (en) | 2014-11-06 |
CA2903578A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
WO2014144872A2 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
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