US20170234083A1 - Engagement features for tubular grappling system - Google Patents
Engagement features for tubular grappling system Download PDFInfo
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- US20170234083A1 US20170234083A1 US15/046,323 US201615046323A US2017234083A1 US 20170234083 A1 US20170234083 A1 US 20170234083A1 US 201615046323 A US201615046323 A US 201615046323A US 2017234083 A1 US2017234083 A1 US 2017234083A1
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- teeth
- tubular
- tooth
- grapple
- die
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- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 17
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 14
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 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
- E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
- E21B19/06—Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices
-
- 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
- E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
- E21B19/06—Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices
- E21B19/07—Slip-type elevators
-
- 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
- E21B19/16—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
-
- 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
-
- 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 present disclosure relate generally to the field of drilling and processing of wells. More particularly, present embodiments relate to a system and method for a tubular grappling system.
- a well In conventional oil and gas operations, a well is typically drilled to a desired depth with a drill string, which includes drill pipe and a drilling bottom hole assembly (BHA). Once the desired depth is reached, the drill string is removed from the hole and casing is run into the vacant hole. In some conventional operations, the casing may be installed as part of the drilling process. A technique that involves running casing at the same time the well is being drilled may be referred to as “casing-while-drilling.”
- Casing may be defined as pipe or tubular that is placed in a well to prevent the well from caving in, to contain fluids, and to assist with efficient extraction of product.
- the casing When the casing is run into the well, the casing may be externally or internally gripped by a grappling system installed under a top drive. Specifically, the grappling system may exert an external pressure or force or an internal pressure or force on the casing to prevent the casing from sliding off the grappling system. With the grappling system engaged with the casing, the weight of the casing is transferred to the top drive that hoists and supports the casing for positioning down hole in the well.
- the casing When the casing is properly positioned within a hole or well, the casing is typically cemented in place by pumping cement through the casing and into an annulus formed between the casing and the hole (e.g., a wellbore or parent casing).
- an annulus formed between the casing and the hole e.g., a wellbore or parent casing.
- the process may be repeated via the now installed casing string.
- the well may be drilled further by passing a drilling BHA through the installed casing string and drilling.
- additional casing strings may be subsequently passed through the installed casing string (during or after drilling) for installation. Indeed, numerous levels of casing may be employed in a well.
- first string of casing may be drilled further and another string of casing (an inner string of casing) with an outside diameter that is accommodated by the inside diameter of the previously installed casing may be run through the existing casing. Additional strings of casing may be added in this manner such that numerous concentric strings of casing are positioned in the well, and such that each inner string of casing extends deeper than the previously installed casing or parent casing string.
- a system includes a tubular grappling system configured to grip a tubular of a mineral extraction system including a first set of teeth of a contact surface of the tubular grappling system, wherein the contact surface is configured to engage with the tubular, and each tooth of the first set of teeth comprises a first orientation and a second set of teeth of the contact surface of the tubular grappling system, wherein each tooth of the second set of teeth comprises a second orientation, wherein the first and second orientations are generally perpendicular to one anothevr, wherein the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are axially offset from one another relative to a central axis of the tubular grappling system.
- Another embodiment includes a system having a die of an external tubular grappling system, wherein the at least one die is configured to engage with an external surface of a tubular of a mineral extraction system, wherein the die includes a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth formed on an internal surface of the die, wherein each tooth of the first set of teeth extends horizontally relative to a central axis of the die, and each tooth of the second set of teeth extends vertically relative to the central axis of the die.
- a system in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, includes a grapple of an internal tubular grappling system, wherein the grapple is configured to engage with an internal surface of a tubular of a mineral extraction system, wherein the grapple includes a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth formed in an outer surface of the grapple, wherein each tooth of the first set of teeth extends horizontally relative to a longitudinal axis of the grapple, and each tooth of the second set of teeth extends vertically relative to the longitudinal axis of the grapple.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic of a well being drilled, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a schematic of an external tubular grappling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a side view of a die of an external tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the die, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 is a side view, taken within line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 , of a die of an external tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the die, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 is an axial view of a die of an external tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the die, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 is a schematic of an internal tubular grappling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of a grapple of an internal tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the grapple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view, taken within line 8 - 8 of FIG. 7 , of a grapple of an internal tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the grapple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is an axial section view, taken within line 9 - 9 of FIG. 7 , of a grapple of an internal tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the grapple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a tubular grappling system having contact surfaces with engagement features for enabling improved gripping of tubular members, such as casing.
- Tubular grappling systems may be used to grip, lift, and/or rotate tubular members during various operations or processes associated with mineral extraction.
- Tubular grappling systems include external tubular grappling systems, which grip a tubular by applying an external pressure or force on an external surface of the tubular, and internal grappling systems, which grip a tubular by applying an internal pressure or force on an internal surface of the tubular.
- a contact surface of the grappling system e.g., grapple and/or die
- engages e.g., “bites”
- present embodiments of the tubular grappling system have contact surfaces with improved engagement features.
- the improved engagement features include patterns of teeth or ridges formed in the contact surfaces that are configured to improve the amount of torque and weight that may be transferred between the tubular grappling system and the tubular.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic of a drilling rig 10 in the process of drilling a well, in accordance with present techniques.
- the drilling rig 10 features an elevated rig floor 12 and a derrick 14 extending above the rig floor 12 .
- a supply reel 16 supplies drilling line 18 to a crown block 20 and traveling block 22 configured to hoist various types of drilling equipment above the rig floor 12 .
- the drilling line 18 is secured to a deadline tiedown anchor 24 , and a drawworks 26 regulates the amount of drilling line 18 in use and, consequently, the height of the traveling block 22 at a given moment.
- a casing string 28 extends downward into a wellbore 30 and is held stationary with respect to the rig floor 12 by a rotary table 32 and slips 34 .
- a portion of the casing string 28 extends above the rig floor 12 , forming a stump 36 to which another length of tubular 38 (e.g., casing) may be added.
- the tubular 38 may include 30 foot segments of oilfield pipe having a suitable diameter (e.g., 133 ⁇ 8 inches) that are joined as the casing string 28 is lowered into the wellbore 30 .
- the length and/or diameter of segments of the casing may be other lengths and/or diameters.
- the casing string 28 is configured to isolate and/or protect the wellbore 30 from the surrounding subterranean environment.
- the casing string 28 may isolate the interior of the wellbore 30 from fresh water, salt water, or other minerals surrounding the wellbore 30 .
- a top drive 40 When a new length of tubular 38 is added to the casing string 28 , a top drive 40 , hoisted by the traveling block 22 , positions the tubular 38 above the wellbore 30 before coupling with the casing string 28 .
- the top drive 40 includes a tubular grappling system 42 that couples the tubular 38 to the top drive 40 .
- the tubular grappling system 42 e.g., external tubular grappling system
- the tubular grappling system 42 (e.g., internal tubular grappling system) is inserted into the tubular 38 and then exerts a force on an internal diameter of the tubular 38 to block the tubular 38 from sliding off the grappling system 42 when the top drive 40 hoists and supports the tubular 38 .
- the tubular grappling system 42 includes improved contact surfaces 44 that engage with a surface (e.g., internal surface or external surface) of the tubular 38 to create an engagement (e.g., a gripping or biting engagement) between the tubular grappling system 42 and the tubular 38 .
- the improved contact surfaces 44 have patterns of teeth or ridges that enable improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between the tubular grappling system 42 and the tubular 38 .
- the improved contact surfaces 44 may include a first section of teeth or ridges oriented horizontally relative to a central axis of the improved contact surface 44 that is configured to improve weight-bearing capacity of the tubular grappling system 42 .
- the improved contact surfaces 44 may also have a second section of teeth or ridges oriented vertically relative to a central axis of the improved contact surface 44 that is configured to improve torque transfer capability of the tubular grappling system 42 .
- FIG. 1 is intentionally simplified to focus on the top drive 40 and tubular grappling system 42 with the improved contact surfaces 44 described in detail below.
- Many other components and tools may be employed during the various periods of formation and preparation of the well.
- the orientation and environment of the well may vary widely depending upon the location and situation of the formations of interest.
- the well in practice, may include one or more deviations, including angled and horizontal runs.
- the well while shown as a surface (land-based) operation, the well may be formed in water of various depths, in which case the topside equipment may include an anchored or floating platform.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the grappling system 42 .
- the grappling system 42 is an external tubular grappling system 50 configured to exert an external force or pressure on an external surface 52 of a distal end 54 of the tubular 38 .
- the external tubular grappling system 50 is positioned about the distal end 54 of the tubular 38 , such that the distal end 54 of the tubular 38 is positioned within an internal cavity 56 of the external tubular grappling system 50 .
- the external tubular grappling system 50 also includes a stabbing guide 58 configured to be inserted into the inner diameter of the tubular 38 to be gripped.
- the stabbing guide 58 is axially aligned with the tubular 38 , stabbed into the tubular 38 , and the external tubular grappling system 50 is positioned over the distal end 54 of the tubular 38 to position the distal end 54 of the tubular 38 within the internal cavity 56 of the external tubular grappling system 50 .
- contact surfaces 60 e.g., engagement features or dies
- the external tubular grappling system 42 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more contact surfaces 60 (e.g., dies) configured to engage with the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 .
- the contact surfaces 60 may be inwardly-actuated dies that contact and apply pressure or force to the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 .
- the contact surfaces 60 may be hydraulically, mechanically, electronically or otherwise actuated to radially engage a circumferential area of the tubular 38 by a control feature. Indeed, various mechanisms may be utilized to facilitate a coupling between the outer circumferential area (e.g., external surface 52 ) of the tubular 38 and the contact surfaces 60 . As described below, the contact surfaces 60 include patterns of teeth or ridges that facilitate improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with the tubular 38 such that the external tubular grappling device 50 can be utilized to lift the tubular 38 and such that rotational movement is readily translated from the external tubular grappling device 50 to the tubular 38 .
- the contact surfaces 60 include patterns of teeth or ridges that facilitate improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with the tubular 38 such that the external tubular grappling device 50 can be utilized to lift the tubular 38 and such that rotational movement is readily translated from the external tubular grappling device 50 to the tubular 38 .
- FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the contact surface 60 of the external tubular grappling system 50 .
- the contact surface 60 is a die 70 that may be used with the external tubular grappling system 50 of FIG. 2 .
- the die 70 includes patterns of teeth or ridges that enable improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between the die 70 and the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 , and thus between the external tubular grappling system 50 and the tubular 38 . In this manner, the weight-bearing capacity and the torque transfer capability of the external tubular grappling system 50 is improved.
- the teeth or ridges of the die 70 may have a selected surface hardness (e.g., approximately 55-65 HRC) to maintain the geometries of the teeth and/or to reduce wear on the teeth.
- the die 70 includes teeth 72 formed on an inner circumference 74 (e.g., inner diameter) of the die 70 . More specifically, the die 70 includes a first set 76 of teeth 72 and a second set 78 of teeth 72 , where first and second sets 76 and 78 are axially offset from one another.
- the first set 76 of teeth 72 is oriented vertically relative to a central axis 80 of the die 70 . In other words, the first set 76 of teeth 72 is arrayed circumferentially or laterally about the central axis 80 of the die 70 .
- the second set 78 of teeth 72 is oriented horizontally relative to the central axis 80 of the die 70 .
- the second set 78 of teeth 72 is arrayed axially along the central axis 80 of the die 70 .
- the first and second sets 76 and 78 of teeth do not axially overlap relative to the central axis 80 of the die 70 .
- only the first set 76 of teeth 72 is located at the top portion of the die 70
- only the second set 78 of teeth 72 is located at the bottom portion of the die 70 .
- the first set 76 of teeth 72 and the second set 78 of teeth 72 each extend approximately half (e.g., 50%) an axial length 82 of the die 70 .
- the first set 76 of teeth 72 and the second set 78 of teeth 72 may extend for other lengths of the die 70 .
- the proportions (e.g., of axial length 82 ) of the first set 76 of teeth 72 relative to the second set 78 of teeth 72 may be adjusted accordingly.
- the distance (e.g., radial distance) which each tooth 72 of the first set 76 of teeth 72 extends from the inner circumference 74 of the die 70 may be greater than the distance (e.g., radial distance) which each tooth 72 of the second set 78 of teeth 72 extends from the inner circumference 74 of the die 70 to increase torque transfer capability of the die 70 .
- the die 70 includes one of the first sets 76 of teeth 72 (i.e., vertically oriented teeth 72 ) and one of the second sets 78 of teeth 72 (i.e., horizontally oriented teeth 72 ).
- other embodiments of the die 70 may include multiple first sets 76 of teeth 72 and/or multiple second sets 78 of teeth 72 .
- An exemplary configuration of the second set 78 of teeth 72 is discussed in further detail with reference to FIG. 4
- an exemplary configuration of the first set 76 of teeth 72 is discussed in further detail with reference to FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a side view, taken within line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 , of the die 70 , illustrating the second set 78 of teeth 72 formed in the inner circumference 74 of the die 70 .
- the second set 78 of teeth 72 is oriented horizontally relative to the central axis 80 of the die 70 .
- each tooth 72 of the second set 78 extends circumferentially or laterally about the central axis 80 of the die 70 .
- the second set 78 of teeth 72 creates an engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 to support the weight of the tubular 38 when the external tubular grappling device 50 grips the tubular 38 .
- each tooth 72 of the second set 78 of teeth 72 includes an edge 100 that will contact or “bite” the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 when the die 70 is actuated inwardly by the external tubular grappling device 50 .
- each of the teeth 72 of the second set 78 is angled or “slanted” upwards, e.g., toward an axial top 102 of the second set 78 of teeth 72 when the die 70 is positioned within the external tubular grappling system 50 .
- each tooth 72 which has a generally triangular profile, includes a short side 104 that faces the axial top 102 of the second set 78 of teeth 72 and a long side 106 that faces an axial bottom 108 of the second set 78 of teeth 72 .
- the respective edge 100 of each tooth 72 of the second set 78 is angled or “slanted” upwards, and thus faces or extends toward the axial top 102 of the second set 78 of teeth 72 .
- This configuration enables an improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between the teeth 72 of the second set 78 and the tubular 38 . More specifically, when the external tubular grappling system 50 grips the tubular 38 , the weight of the tubular 38 will be applied in direction 110 . Thus, the upward-facing edges 100 of the teeth 72 of the second set 78 will “bite” into the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 as the die 70 is driven radially-inward by the external tubular grappling system 50 and as the weight of the tubular 38 forces the tubular 38 down against the edges 100 .
- the short side 104 and the long side 106 of each tooth 72 may have varying dimensions and/or orientations.
- an angle 112 (e.g., acute angle) of the short side 104 relative to a horizontal axis 114 of the die 70 may be approximately 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 degrees.
- An angle 116 (e.g., acute angle) of the long side 106 relative to the horizontal axis 114 of the die 70 may be approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees.
- the sum of the angles 112 and 116 may equal approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, any suitable value for the angles 112 and 116 may be used.
- FIG. 5 is an axial view of the die 70 , illustrating the first set 76 of teeth 72 formed in the inner circumference 74 of the die 70 .
- the first set 76 of teeth 72 is oriented vertically relative to the central axis 80 of the die 70 .
- each tooth 72 of the first set 76 extends axially relative to the central axis 80 of the die 70 .
- the first set 76 of teeth 72 creates an engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 when the external tubular grappling device 50 applies a torque to the tubular 38 .
- each tooth 72 of the first set 76 of teeth 72 includes an edge 120 that will contact or “bite” the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 when the die 70 is actuated inwardly by the external tubular grappling device 50 .
- the first set 76 of teeth 72 of the die 70 is further divided into a first plurality 122 of the first set 76 of teeth 72 and a second plurality 124 of the first set 76 of teeth 72 .
- the first plurality 122 of teeth 72 is angled or “slanted” in a first direction 126 (e.g., a first rotational direction or counter-clockwise direction), and the second plurality 124 of teeth 72 is angled or “slanted” in a second direction 128 (e.g., a second rotational direction or clockwise direction).
- the first set 76 of teeth 72 includes the first and second pluralities 122 and 124 of teeth 72 to enable improved torque transfer capacity in both rotational directions (e.g., directions 126 and 128 ) of the external tubular grappling system 50 .
- the edges 120 of the first plurality 122 of teeth 72 when the external tubular grappling system 50 is rotated in the first direction 126 , the edges 120 of the first plurality 122 of teeth 72 , which are angled or “slanted” in the first direction 126 , will “bite” into the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 and transfer torque from the external tubular grappling system 50 to the tubular 38 in the first direction 126 .
- the edges 120 of the second plurality 124 of teeth 72 which are angled or “slanted” in the second direction 128 , will “bite” into the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 and transfer torque from the external tubular grappling system 50 to the tubular 38 in the second direction 128 .
- the first plurality 122 of teeth 72 is formed in approximately half of the inner circumference 74 of the die 70
- the second plurality 124 of teeth 72 is formed in approximately half of the inner circumference 74 of the die 70
- the first and/or second pluralities 122 and 124 of teeth 72 may be formed in more or less than approximately half of the inner circumference 74 of the die 70 depending on various design considerations.
- first and second pluralities 122 and 124 of teeth 72 are arranged or grouped separately from one another. In other embodiments, the first and second pluralities 122 and 124 of teeth 72 may be staggered and/or intermeshed with one another.
- each tooth 72 of the first and second pluralities 122 and 124 of teeth 72 includes a short side 130 and a long side 132 .
- the short side 130 and the long side 132 of each tooth 72 may have varying dimensions and/or orientations.
- an angle 136 e.g., acute angle
- An angle 140 e.g., acute angle
- the long side 132 relative to the radius 138 of the die 70 may be approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees.
- the sum of the angles 136 and 140 may equal approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, any suitable value for the angles 136 and 140 may be used.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the tubular grappling system 42 .
- the grappling system 42 is an internal tubular grappling system 200 configured to exert an internal force or pressure on an internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 .
- the internal tubular grappling system 200 includes an actuator 204 , a mandrel 206 , and grapples 208 (e.g., contact surfaces 60 ).
- the internal tubular grappling system 200 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or other suitable number of grapples 208 .
- the mandrel 206 and the grapples 208 which are disposed about the mandrel 206 , are inserted or “stabbed” into the tubular 38 .
- the grapples 208 may be translated downward, in a direction 210 , by actuation of the actuator 204 .
- the grapples 208 may be translated rotationally by actuation of the actuator 204 .
- the grapples 208 are forced radially outward, as indicated by arrows 212 , and engaged with the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 .
- the grapples 208 include patterns of teeth or ridges that facilitate improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with the tubular 38 , such that the internal tubular grappling device 200 can be utilized to lift the tubular 38 and such that rotational movement is readily translated from the internal tubular grappling device 200 to the tubular 38 .
- the teeth or ridges of the grapple 208 may have a selected surface hardness (e.g., approximately 55-65 HRC) to maintain the geometries of the teeth and/or to reduce wear on the teeth.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the grapple 208 of the internal tubular grappling system 200 .
- the grapple 208 includes patterns of teeth or ridges that enable improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between the grapple 208 and the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 , and thus between the internal tubular grappling system 200 and the tubular 38 . In this manner, the weight-bearing capacity and the torque transfer capability of the internal tubular grappling system 200 is improved.
- the grapple 208 includes teeth 220 formed on an outer surface 222 . More specifically, the grapple 208 includes a first set 224 of teeth 220 , a second set 226 of teeth 220 , and a third set 228 of teeth 220 . As shown, the first, second, and third sets 224 , 226 , and 228 of teeth 220 do not axially overlap relative to a longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 . In other words, one portion of the grapple 208 has only the first set 224 of teeth 220 , another portion of the grapple 208 has only the second set 226 of teeth 220 , and another portion of the grapple 208 has only the third set 228 of teeth 220 .
- the first set 224 of teeth 220 is oriented horizontally relative to the longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 .
- the second set 226 of teeth 220 is oriented vertically relative to the longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 .
- the third set 228 of teeth 220 is also oriented horizontally relative to the longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 .
- the first and third sets 224 and 228 of teeth 220 are configured to enable tubular 38 weight bearing of the internal tubular grappling system 200
- the second set 226 of teeth 220 is configured to enable torque transfer from the internal tubular grappling system 200 to the tubular 38 .
- the distance (e.g., radial distance) which each tooth 220 of the second set 226 of teeth 220 extends from the outer surface 222 of the grapple 208 may be greater than the distance (e.g., radial distance) which each tooth 220 of the first and third sets 224 and 228 of teeth 220 extends from the outer surface 222 of the grapple 208 to increase torque transfer capability of the grapple 208 .
- the first set 224 of teeth 220 , the second set 226 of teeth 220 , and the third set 228 of teeth 220 each has a similar axial length 232 along the longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 .
- the first set 224 of teeth 220 , the second set 226 of teeth 220 , and/or the third set 228 of teeth 220 may extend for other axial lengths relative to one another.
- the grapple 208 may include other numbers of sets of teeth 220 , such as two sets of teeth 220 having vertical orientation (e.g., second set 226 ) and one set of teeth 220 having horizontal orientation (e.g., first set 224 or third set 228 ).
- the numbers and sizes of the sets of teeth 220 may vary depending on design considerations, a desired weight-bearing capability, a desired torque transfer capability, and so forth.
- An exemplary configuration of the third set 228 of teeth 220 is discussed in further detail with reference to FIG. 8
- an exemplary configuration of the second set 226 of teeth 220 is discussed in further detail with reference to FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view, taken within line 8 - 8 of FIG. 7 , of the grapple 208 , illustrating the third set 228 of teeth 220 formed in the outer surface 222 of the grapple 208 .
- the third set 228 of teeth 220 is oriented horizontally relative to the longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 .
- the first set 224 of teeth 220 of the grapple 208 shown in FIG. 7 is similarly arranged.
- the following description of the third set 228 of teeth 220 may also apply to the first set 224 of teeth 220 .
- Each tooth 220 of the third set 228 extends circumferentially or laterally about the longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 .
- the third set 228 of teeth 220 creates an engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 to support the weight of the tubular 38 when the internal tubular grappling device 200 grips the tubular 38 .
- each tooth 220 of the third set 228 of teeth 220 includes an edge 250 that will contact or “bite” the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 when the grapple 208 is actuated radially outward by the internal tubular grappling device 200 .
- each of the teeth 220 of the third set 228 is angled or “slanted” upwards, e.g., toward an axial top 252 of third set 228 of teeth 220 when the grapple 208 is positioned about the mandrel 206 of the internal tubular grappling system 200 .
- each tooth 220 which has a generally triangular profile, includes a short side 254 that faces the axial top 252 of the third set 228 of teeth 220 and a long side 256 that faces an axial bottom 258 of the third set 228 of teeth 220 .
- each tooth 220 of the third set 228 extends or is “slanted” upwards, and thus faces the axial top 252 of the third set 228 of teeth 220 .
- This configuration enables an improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between the teeth 220 of the third set 228 and the tubular 38 . More specifically, when the internal tubular grappling system 200 grips the tubular 38 , the weight of the tubular 38 will be applied in direction 260 .
- the upward-facing edges 250 of the teeth 220 of the third set 228 will “bite” into the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 as the grapple 208 is driven radially outward by the internal tubular grappling system 200 and as the weight of the tubular 38 forces the tubular 38 down against the edges 250 .
- the short side 254 and the long side 256 of each tooth 220 may have varying dimensions and/or orientations.
- an angle 262 e.g., acute angle
- An angle 266 e.g., acute angle
- the long side 256 relative to the horizontal axis 264 of the grapple 208 may be approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees.
- the sum of the angles 262 and 266 may equal approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, any suitable value for the angles 262 and 266 may be used.
- FIG. 9 is an axial section view, taken within line 9 - 9 of FIG. 7 , of the grapple 208 , illustrating the second set 226 of teeth 220 formed in the outer surface 222 of the grapple 208 .
- the second set 226 of teeth 220 is oriented vertically relative to the longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 .
- each tooth 220 of the second set 226 extends axially along the grapple 208 relative to the longitudinal axis 230 of the grapple 208 .
- each tooth 220 of the second set 226 of teeth 220 includes an edge 280 that will contact or “bite” the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 when the grapple 208 is actuated radially outward by the internal tubular grappling device 200 .
- the second set 226 of teeth 220 of the grapple 220 is further divided into a first plurality 282 of the second set 226 of teeth 220 and a second plurality 284 of the second set 226 of teeth 220 .
- the first plurality 282 of teeth 220 is “slanted” in a first direction 286 (e.g., a first rotational direction or counter-clockwise direction), and the second plurality 284 of teeth 220 is “slanted” in a second direction 288 (e.g., a second rotational direction or clockwise direction).
- each tooth 220 of the first plurality 282 “faces” or extends in the first direction 286
- the respective edge 280 of each tooth 220 of the second plurality 284 “faces” or extends in the second direction 288
- the second set 226 of teeth 220 includes the first and second pluralities 282 and 284 of teeth 220 to enable improved torque transfer capacity in both rotational directions (e.g., directions 286 and 288 ) of the internal tubular grappling system 200 .
- the edges 280 of the first plurality 282 of teeth 220 which are “slanted” in the first direction 286 , will “bite” into the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 and transfer torque from the internal tubular grappling system 200 to the tubular 38 in the first direction 286 .
- the edges 280 of the second plurality 284 of teeth 220 which are “slanted” in the second direction 288 , will “bite” into the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 and transfer torque from the internal tubular grappling system 200 to the tubular 38 in the second direction 288 .
- the first plurality 282 of teeth 220 is formed in approximately half (e.g., 50%) of the outer surface 222 of the grapple 208 portion having the second set 226 of teeth 220
- the second plurality 284 of teeth 220 is formed in approximately half (e.g., 50%) of the outer surface 222 of the grapple 208 portion having the second set 226 of teeth 220
- the first and/or second pluralities 282 and 284 of teeth 220 may be formed in more or less than approximately half of the outer surface 222 of the grapple 208 depending on various design considerations.
- the first and second pluralities 282 and 284 of teeth 220 are arranged or grouped separately from one another. In other embodiments, the first and second pluralities 282 and 284 of teeth 220 may be staggered and/or intermeshed with one another.
- each tooth 220 of the first and second pluralities 282 and 284 of teeth 220 includes a short side 290 and a long side 292 .
- the short side 290 and the long side 292 of each tooth 220 may have varying dimensions and/or orientations.
- an angle 294 e.g., acute angle
- An angle 298 e.g., acute angle
- the long side 292 relative to the radius 296 of the grapple 208 may be approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees.
- the sum of the angles 294 and 298 may equal approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, any suitable value for the angles 294 and 298 may be used.
- inventions of the present disclosure are directed to the tubular grappling system 42 having improved contact surfaces 44 for enabling improved gripping of tubulars 38 , such as casing.
- the disclosed tubular grappling systems 42 include external tubular grappling systems 50 which grip the tubular 38 by applying an external pressure or force on the external surface 52 of the tubular 38 , and internal grappling systems 200 , which grip the tubular 38 by applying an internal pressure or force on the internal surface 202 of the tubular 38 .
- the contact surface 44 of the grappling system 42 e.g., grapple 208 and/or die 70 ) engages with the tubular 38 .
- the weight of the tubular 38 is transferred from the tubular 38 to the contact surface 44 of the tubular grappling system 42 .
- torque from the contact surfaces 44 of the tubular grappling system 42 is transferred to the tubular 38 .
- the disclosed embodiments of the tubular grappling system 42 have contact surfaces 44 with improved engagement features.
- the improved engagement features include patterns of teeth 72 and/or 220 formed in the contact surfaces 44 that are configured to improve the amount of torque and weight that may be transferred between the tubular grappling system 42 and the tubular 38 .
- the configurations, pluralities, sets, dimensions, angles, and other characteristics of the teeth 72 and 220 disclosed above may be modified and/or combined with one another to achieve a desired performance or objective of the tubular grappling system 42 (e.g., improved weight-bearing capability, improved torque transfer capability, etc.).
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Abstract
Description
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of drilling and processing of wells. More particularly, present embodiments relate to a system and method for a tubular grappling system.
- In conventional oil and gas operations, a well is typically drilled to a desired depth with a drill string, which includes drill pipe and a drilling bottom hole assembly (BHA). Once the desired depth is reached, the drill string is removed from the hole and casing is run into the vacant hole. In some conventional operations, the casing may be installed as part of the drilling process. A technique that involves running casing at the same time the well is being drilled may be referred to as “casing-while-drilling.”
- Casing may be defined as pipe or tubular that is placed in a well to prevent the well from caving in, to contain fluids, and to assist with efficient extraction of product. When the casing is run into the well, the casing may be externally or internally gripped by a grappling system installed under a top drive. Specifically, the grappling system may exert an external pressure or force or an internal pressure or force on the casing to prevent the casing from sliding off the grappling system. With the grappling system engaged with the casing, the weight of the casing is transferred to the top drive that hoists and supports the casing for positioning down hole in the well.
- When the casing is properly positioned within a hole or well, the casing is typically cemented in place by pumping cement through the casing and into an annulus formed between the casing and the hole (e.g., a wellbore or parent casing). Once a casing string has been positioned and cemented in place or installed, the process may be repeated via the now installed casing string. For example, the well may be drilled further by passing a drilling BHA through the installed casing string and drilling. Further, additional casing strings may be subsequently passed through the installed casing string (during or after drilling) for installation. Indeed, numerous levels of casing may be employed in a well. For example, once a first string of casing is in place, the well may be drilled further and another string of casing (an inner string of casing) with an outside diameter that is accommodated by the inside diameter of the previously installed casing may be run through the existing casing. Additional strings of casing may be added in this manner such that numerous concentric strings of casing are positioned in the well, and such that each inner string of casing extends deeper than the previously installed casing or parent casing string.
- In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a system includes a tubular grappling system configured to grip a tubular of a mineral extraction system including a first set of teeth of a contact surface of the tubular grappling system, wherein the contact surface is configured to engage with the tubular, and each tooth of the first set of teeth comprises a first orientation and a second set of teeth of the contact surface of the tubular grappling system, wherein each tooth of the second set of teeth comprises a second orientation, wherein the first and second orientations are generally perpendicular to one anothevr, wherein the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are axially offset from one another relative to a central axis of the tubular grappling system.
- Another embodiment includes a system having a die of an external tubular grappling system, wherein the at least one die is configured to engage with an external surface of a tubular of a mineral extraction system, wherein the die includes a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth formed on an internal surface of the die, wherein each tooth of the first set of teeth extends horizontally relative to a central axis of the die, and each tooth of the second set of teeth extends vertically relative to the central axis of the die.
- In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a system includes a grapple of an internal tubular grappling system, wherein the grapple is configured to engage with an internal surface of a tubular of a mineral extraction system, wherein the grapple includes a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth formed in an outer surface of the grapple, wherein each tooth of the first set of teeth extends horizontally relative to a longitudinal axis of the grapple, and each tooth of the second set of teeth extends vertically relative to the longitudinal axis of the grapple.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of present embodiments will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic of a well being drilled, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic of an external tubular grappling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of a die of an external tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the die, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is a side view, taken within line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 , of a die of an external tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the die, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 is an axial view of a die of an external tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the die, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic of an internal tubular grappling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is a side view of a grapple of an internal tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the grapple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view, taken within line 8-8 ofFIG. 7 , of a grapple of an internal tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the grapple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 9 is an axial section view, taken within line 9-9 ofFIG. 7 , of a grapple of an internal tubular grappling system, illustrating engagement features of the grapple, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a tubular grappling system having contact surfaces with engagement features for enabling improved gripping of tubular members, such as casing. Tubular grappling systems may be used to grip, lift, and/or rotate tubular members during various operations or processes associated with mineral extraction. Tubular grappling systems include external tubular grappling systems, which grip a tubular by applying an external pressure or force on an external surface of the tubular, and internal grappling systems, which grip a tubular by applying an internal pressure or force on an internal surface of the tubular. In both external and internal tubular grappling systems, a contact surface of the grappling system (e.g., grapple and/or die) engages (e.g., “bites”) with the tubular to grip the tubular. The weight of the tubular is transferred from the tubular to the contact surface of the tubular grappling system. Similarly, when the tubular grappling system is used to rotate the tubular, torque from the contact surface of the tubular grappling system is transferred to the tubular. To improve weight-bearing capacity of the tubular grappling system and torque transfer from the tubular grappling system to the tubular, present embodiments of the tubular grappling system have contact surfaces with improved engagement features. For example, the improved engagement features include patterns of teeth or ridges formed in the contact surfaces that are configured to improve the amount of torque and weight that may be transferred between the tubular grappling system and the tubular.
- Turning now to the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a schematic of adrilling rig 10 in the process of drilling a well, in accordance with present techniques. Thedrilling rig 10 features an elevatedrig floor 12 and a derrick 14 extending above therig floor 12. Asupply reel 16 suppliesdrilling line 18 to acrown block 20 and travelingblock 22 configured to hoist various types of drilling equipment above therig floor 12. Thedrilling line 18 is secured to adeadline tiedown anchor 24, and adrawworks 26 regulates the amount ofdrilling line 18 in use and, consequently, the height of thetraveling block 22 at a given moment. Below therig floor 12, acasing string 28 extends downward into awellbore 30 and is held stationary with respect to therig floor 12 by a rotary table 32 andslips 34. A portion of thecasing string 28 extends above therig floor 12, forming astump 36 to which another length of tubular 38 (e.g., casing) may be added. In certain embodiments, the tubular 38 may include 30 foot segments of oilfield pipe having a suitable diameter (e.g., 13⅜ inches) that are joined as thecasing string 28 is lowered into thewellbore 30. As will be appreciated, in other embodiments, the length and/or diameter of segments of the casing (e.g., tubular 38) may be other lengths and/or diameters. Thecasing string 28 is configured to isolate and/or protect thewellbore 30 from the surrounding subterranean environment. For example, thecasing string 28 may isolate the interior of thewellbore 30 from fresh water, salt water, or other minerals surrounding thewellbore 30. - When a new length of tubular 38 is added to the
casing string 28, atop drive 40, hoisted by thetraveling block 22, positions the tubular 38 above thewellbore 30 before coupling with thecasing string 28. Thetop drive 40 includes atubular grappling system 42 that couples the tubular 38 to thetop drive 40. In certain embodiments, the tubular grappling system 42 (e.g., external tubular grappling system) may be disposed about a distal end of the tubular 38 and may exert an external pressure on the distal end of the tubular 38 to grip the tubular 38. In other embodiments, the tubular grappling system 42 (e.g., internal tubular grappling system) is inserted into the tubular 38 and then exerts a force on an internal diameter of thetubular 38 to block the tubular 38 from sliding off thegrappling system 42 when thetop drive 40 hoists and supports the tubular 38. In both embodiments, thetubular grappling system 42 includes improvedcontact surfaces 44 that engage with a surface (e.g., internal surface or external surface) of the tubular 38 to create an engagement (e.g., a gripping or biting engagement) between thetubular grappling system 42 and the tubular 38. As mentioned above, the improvedcontact surfaces 44 have patterns of teeth or ridges that enable improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between thetubular grappling system 42 and the tubular 38. For example, the improvedcontact surfaces 44 may include a first section of teeth or ridges oriented horizontally relative to a central axis of the improvedcontact surface 44 that is configured to improve weight-bearing capacity of thetubular grappling system 42. The improvedcontact surfaces 44 may also have a second section of teeth or ridges oriented vertically relative to a central axis of the improvedcontact surface 44 that is configured to improve torque transfer capability of thetubular grappling system 42. These features are discussed in further detail below. - It should be noted that the illustration of
FIG. 1 is intentionally simplified to focus on thetop drive 40 andtubular grappling system 42 with the improvedcontact surfaces 44 described in detail below. Many other components and tools may be employed during the various periods of formation and preparation of the well. Similarly, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the orientation and environment of the well may vary widely depending upon the location and situation of the formations of interest. For example, rather than a generally vertical bore, the well, in practice, may include one or more deviations, including angled and horizontal runs. Similarly, while shown as a surface (land-based) operation, the well may be formed in water of various depths, in which case the topside equipment may include an anchored or floating platform. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the grapplingsystem 42. - In the illustrated embodiment, the grappling
system 42 is an externaltubular grappling system 50 configured to exert an external force or pressure on anexternal surface 52 of adistal end 54 of the tubular 38. The externaltubular grappling system 50 is positioned about thedistal end 54 of the tubular 38, such that thedistal end 54 of the tubular 38 is positioned within aninternal cavity 56 of the externaltubular grappling system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the externaltubular grappling system 50 also includes astabbing guide 58 configured to be inserted into the inner diameter of the tubular 38 to be gripped. In operation, thestabbing guide 58 is axially aligned with the tubular 38, stabbed into the tubular 38, and the externaltubular grappling system 50 is positioned over thedistal end 54 of the tubular 38 to position thedistal end 54 of the tubular 38 within theinternal cavity 56 of the externaltubular grappling system 50. - Once the
distal end 54 of the tubular 38 is positioned within theinternal cavity 56 of the externaltubular grappling system 50, contact surfaces 60 (e.g., engagement features or dies) of the externaltubular grappling system 50 may be actuated to engage with theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38. For example, the externaltubular grappling system 42 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more contact surfaces 60 (e.g., dies) configured to engage with theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38. The contact surfaces 60 may be inwardly-actuated dies that contact and apply pressure or force to theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38. In certain embodiments, the contact surfaces 60 may be hydraulically, mechanically, electronically or otherwise actuated to radially engage a circumferential area of the tubular 38 by a control feature. Indeed, various mechanisms may be utilized to facilitate a coupling between the outer circumferential area (e.g., external surface 52) of the tubular 38 and the contact surfaces 60. As described below, the contact surfaces 60 include patterns of teeth or ridges that facilitate improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with the tubular 38 such that the externaltubular grappling device 50 can be utilized to lift the tubular 38 and such that rotational movement is readily translated from the externaltubular grappling device 50 to the tubular 38. -
FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of thecontact surface 60 of the externaltubular grappling system 50. Specifically, thecontact surface 60 is a die 70 that may be used with the externaltubular grappling system 50 ofFIG. 2 . Thedie 70 includes patterns of teeth or ridges that enable improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between the die 70 and theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38, and thus between the externaltubular grappling system 50 and the tubular 38. In this manner, the weight-bearing capacity and the torque transfer capability of the externaltubular grappling system 50 is improved. In certain embodiments, the teeth or ridges of the die 70 may have a selected surface hardness (e.g., approximately 55-65 HRC) to maintain the geometries of the teeth and/or to reduce wear on the teeth. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
die 70 includesteeth 72 formed on an inner circumference 74 (e.g., inner diameter) of thedie 70. More specifically, thedie 70 includes afirst set 76 ofteeth 72 and asecond set 78 ofteeth 72, where first andsecond sets teeth 72 is oriented vertically relative to acentral axis 80 of thedie 70. In other words, thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 is arrayed circumferentially or laterally about thecentral axis 80 of thedie 70. Conversely, thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 is oriented horizontally relative to thecentral axis 80 of thedie 70. In other words, thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 is arrayed axially along thecentral axis 80 of thedie 70. As shown, the first andsecond sets central axis 80 of thedie 70. In other words, only thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 is located at the top portion of the die 70, and only thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 is located at the bottom portion of thedie 70. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first set 76 ofteeth 72 and thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 each extend approximately half (e.g., 50%) anaxial length 82 of thedie 70. However, in other embodiments, thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 and thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 may extend for other lengths of thedie 70. For example, in an embodiment where greater weight-bearing capacity is a priority over torque transfer capability or vice versa, the proportions (e.g., of axial length 82) of thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 relative to thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 may be adjusted accordingly. In certain embodiments, the distance (e.g., radial distance) which eachtooth 72 of thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 extends from theinner circumference 74 of the die 70 may be greater than the distance (e.g., radial distance) which eachtooth 72 of thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 extends from theinner circumference 74 of the die 70 to increase torque transfer capability of thedie 70. - Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the
die 70 includes one of thefirst sets 76 of teeth 72 (i.e., vertically oriented teeth 72) and one of thesecond sets 78 of teeth 72 (i.e., horizontally oriented teeth 72). However, other embodiments of the die 70 may include multiplefirst sets 76 ofteeth 72 and/or multiplesecond sets 78 ofteeth 72. An exemplary configuration of thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 is discussed in further detail with reference toFIG. 4 , and an exemplary configuration of thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 is discussed in further detail with reference toFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view, taken within line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 , of the die 70, illustrating thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 formed in theinner circumference 74 of thedie 70. As mentioned above and further shown inFIG. 4 , thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 is oriented horizontally relative to thecentral axis 80 of thedie 70. Thus, eachtooth 72 of thesecond set 78 extends circumferentially or laterally about thecentral axis 80 of thedie 70. In operation, thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 creates an engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38 to support the weight of the tubular 38 when the externaltubular grappling device 50 grips the tubular 38. To this end, eachtooth 72 of thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 includes anedge 100 that will contact or “bite” theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38 when thedie 70 is actuated inwardly by the externaltubular grappling device 50. - In the illustrated embodiment, each of the
teeth 72 of thesecond set 78 is angled or “slanted” upwards, e.g., toward anaxial top 102 of thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 when thedie 70 is positioned within the externaltubular grappling system 50. More specifically, eachtooth 72, which has a generally triangular profile, includes ashort side 104 that faces theaxial top 102 of thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72 and along side 106 that faces anaxial bottom 108 of thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72. Thus, therespective edge 100 of eachtooth 72 of thesecond set 78 is angled or “slanted” upwards, and thus faces or extends toward theaxial top 102 of thesecond set 78 ofteeth 72. This configuration enables an improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between theteeth 72 of thesecond set 78 and the tubular 38. More specifically, when the externaltubular grappling system 50 grips the tubular 38, the weight of the tubular 38 will be applied indirection 110. Thus, the upward-facingedges 100 of theteeth 72 of thesecond set 78 will “bite” into theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38 as thedie 70 is driven radially-inward by the externaltubular grappling system 50 and as the weight of the tubular 38 forces the tubular 38 down against theedges 100. - The
short side 104 and thelong side 106 of eachtooth 72 may have varying dimensions and/or orientations. For example, an angle 112 (e.g., acute angle) of theshort side 104 relative to ahorizontal axis 114 of the die 70 may be approximately 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 degrees. An angle 116 (e.g., acute angle) of thelong side 106 relative to thehorizontal axis 114 of the die 70 may be approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees. In certain embodiments, the sum of theangles angles -
FIG. 5 is an axial view of the die 70, illustrating thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 formed in theinner circumference 74 of thedie 70. As mentioned above and further shown inFIG. 5 , thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 is oriented vertically relative to thecentral axis 80 of thedie 70. Thus, eachtooth 72 of thefirst set 76 extends axially relative to thecentral axis 80 of thedie 70. In operation, thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 creates an engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38 when the externaltubular grappling device 50 applies a torque to the tubular 38. To this end, eachtooth 72 of thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 includes anedge 120 that will contact or “bite” theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38 when thedie 70 is actuated inwardly by the externaltubular grappling device 50. - The first set 76 of
teeth 72 of the die 70 is further divided into afirst plurality 122 of thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72 and asecond plurality 124 of thefirst set 76 ofteeth 72. Thefirst plurality 122 ofteeth 72 is angled or “slanted” in a first direction 126 (e.g., a first rotational direction or counter-clockwise direction), and thesecond plurality 124 ofteeth 72 is angled or “slanted” in a second direction 128 (e.g., a second rotational direction or clockwise direction). In other words, therespective edge 120 of eachtooth 72 of thefirst plurality 122 ofteeth 72 extends toward or “faces” thefirst direction 126, and therespective edge 120 of eachtooth 72 of thesecond plurality 124 ofteeth 72 extends toward or “faces” thesecond direction 128. The first set 76 ofteeth 72 includes the first andsecond pluralities teeth 72 to enable improved torque transfer capacity in both rotational directions (e.g.,directions 126 and 128) of the externaltubular grappling system 50. Specifically, when the externaltubular grappling system 50 is rotated in thefirst direction 126, theedges 120 of thefirst plurality 122 ofteeth 72, which are angled or “slanted” in thefirst direction 126, will “bite” into theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38 and transfer torque from the externaltubular grappling system 50 to the tubular 38 in thefirst direction 126. Similarly, when the externaltubular grappling system 50 is rotated in thesecond direction 128, theedges 120 of thesecond plurality 124 ofteeth 72, which are angled or “slanted” in thesecond direction 128, will “bite” into theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38 and transfer torque from the externaltubular grappling system 50 to the tubular 38 in thesecond direction 128. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first plurality 122 ofteeth 72 is formed in approximately half of theinner circumference 74 of the die 70, and thesecond plurality 124 ofteeth 72 is formed in approximately half of theinner circumference 74 of thedie 70. However, in other embodiments, the first and/orsecond pluralities teeth 72 may be formed in more or less than approximately half of theinner circumference 74 of the die 70 depending on various design considerations. - Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and
second pluralities teeth 72 are arranged or grouped separately from one another. In other embodiments, the first andsecond pluralities teeth 72 may be staggered and/or intermeshed with one another. - As shown, each
tooth 72 of the first andsecond pluralities teeth 72 includes ashort side 130 and along side 132. Theshort side 130 and thelong side 132 of eachtooth 72 may have varying dimensions and/or orientations. For example, an angle 136 (e.g., acute angle) of theshort side 130 relative to aradius 138 of the die 70 may be approximately 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 degrees. An angle 140 (e.g., acute angle) of thelong side 132 relative to theradius 138 of the die 70 may be approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees. In certain embodiments, the sum of theangles angles -
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the tubular grapplingsystem 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the grapplingsystem 42 is an internaltubular grappling system 200 configured to exert an internal force or pressure on aninternal surface 202 of the tubular 38. The internaltubular grappling system 200 includes anactuator 204, amandrel 206, and grapples 208 (e.g., contact surfaces 60). In certain embodiments, the internaltubular grappling system 200 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or other suitable number of grapples 208. To grip the tubular 38, themandrel 206 and the grapples 208, which are disposed about themandrel 206, are inserted or “stabbed” into the tubular 38. After themandrel 206 and grapples 208 are disposed within the tubular 38, the grapples 208 may be translated downward, in adirection 210, by actuation of theactuator 204. However, in other embodiments, the grapples 208 may be translated rotationally by actuation of theactuator 204. Upon actuation of theactuator 204, the grapples 208 are forced radially outward, as indicated byarrows 212, and engaged with theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38. As described below, the grapples 208 (e.g., contact surfaces 60) include patterns of teeth or ridges that facilitate improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with the tubular 38, such that the internaltubular grappling device 200 can be utilized to lift the tubular 38 and such that rotational movement is readily translated from the internaltubular grappling device 200 to the tubular 38. In certain embodiments, the teeth or ridges of thegrapple 208 may have a selected surface hardness (e.g., approximately 55-65 HRC) to maintain the geometries of the teeth and/or to reduce wear on the teeth. -
FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of thegrapple 208 of the internaltubular grappling system 200. Thegrapple 208 includes patterns of teeth or ridges that enable improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between thegrapple 208 and theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38, and thus between the internaltubular grappling system 200 and the tubular 38. In this manner, the weight-bearing capacity and the torque transfer capability of the internaltubular grappling system 200 is improved. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
grapple 208 includesteeth 220 formed on anouter surface 222. More specifically, thegrapple 208 includes afirst set 224 ofteeth 220, asecond set 226 ofteeth 220, and athird set 228 ofteeth 220. As shown, the first, second, andthird sets teeth 220 do not axially overlap relative to alongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. In other words, one portion of thegrapple 208 has only thefirst set 224 ofteeth 220, another portion of thegrapple 208 has only thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220, and another portion of thegrapple 208 has only thethird set 228 ofteeth 220. - The
first set 224 ofteeth 220 is oriented horizontally relative to thelongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. Thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 is oriented vertically relative to thelongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. Thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 is also oriented horizontally relative to thelongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. Thus, as similarly described above, the first andthird sets teeth 220 are configured to enable tubular 38 weight bearing of the internaltubular grappling system 200, while thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 is configured to enable torque transfer from the internaltubular grappling system 200 to the tubular 38. In certain embodiments, the distance (e.g., radial distance) which eachtooth 220 of thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 extends from theouter surface 222 of thegrapple 208 may be greater than the distance (e.g., radial distance) which eachtooth 220 of the first andthird sets teeth 220 extends from theouter surface 222 of thegrapple 208 to increase torque transfer capability of thegrapple 208. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first set 224 ofteeth 220, thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220, and thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 each has a similaraxial length 232 along thelongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. However, in other embodiments, thefirst set 224 ofteeth 220, thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220, and/or thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 may extend for other axial lengths relative to one another. Additionally, in other embodiments, thegrapple 208 may include other numbers of sets ofteeth 220, such as two sets ofteeth 220 having vertical orientation (e.g., second set 226) and one set ofteeth 220 having horizontal orientation (e.g.,first set 224 or third set 228). The numbers and sizes of the sets ofteeth 220 may vary depending on design considerations, a desired weight-bearing capability, a desired torque transfer capability, and so forth. An exemplary configuration of thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 is discussed in further detail with reference toFIG. 8 , and an exemplary configuration of thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 is discussed in further detail with reference toFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view, taken within line 8-8 ofFIG. 7 , of thegrapple 208, illustrating thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 formed in theouter surface 222 of thegrapple 208. As mentioned above and further shown inFIG. 8 , thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 is oriented horizontally relative to thelongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. It should be noted that thefirst set 224 ofteeth 220 of thegrapple 208 shown inFIG. 7 is similarly arranged. Thus, the following description of thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 may also apply to thefirst set 224 ofteeth 220. Eachtooth 220 of thethird set 228 extends circumferentially or laterally about thelongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. In operation, thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 creates an engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38 to support the weight of the tubular 38 when the internaltubular grappling device 200 grips the tubular 38. To this end, eachtooth 220 of thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 includes anedge 250 that will contact or “bite” theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38 when thegrapple 208 is actuated radially outward by the internaltubular grappling device 200. - In the illustrated embodiment, each of the
teeth 220 of thethird set 228 is angled or “slanted” upwards, e.g., toward anaxial top 252 ofthird set 228 ofteeth 220 when thegrapple 208 is positioned about themandrel 206 of the internaltubular grappling system 200. More specifically, eachtooth 220, which has a generally triangular profile, includes ashort side 254 that faces theaxial top 252 of thethird set 228 ofteeth 220 and along side 256 that faces anaxial bottom 258 of thethird set 228 ofteeth 220. Thus, therespective edge 250 of eachtooth 220 of thethird set 228 extends or is “slanted” upwards, and thus faces theaxial top 252 of thethird set 228 ofteeth 220. This configuration enables an improved engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) between theteeth 220 of thethird set 228 and the tubular 38. More specifically, when the internaltubular grappling system 200 grips the tubular 38, the weight of the tubular 38 will be applied indirection 260. Thus, the upward-facingedges 250 of theteeth 220 of thethird set 228 will “bite” into theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38 as thegrapple 208 is driven radially outward by the internaltubular grappling system 200 and as the weight of the tubular 38 forces the tubular 38 down against theedges 250. - The
short side 254 and thelong side 256 of eachtooth 220 may have varying dimensions and/or orientations. For example, an angle 262 (e.g., acute angle) of theshort side 254 relative to ahorizontal axis 264 of thegrapple 208 may be approximately 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 degrees. An angle 266 (e.g., acute angle) of thelong side 256 relative to thehorizontal axis 264 of thegrapple 208 may be approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees. In certain embodiments, the sum of theangles angles -
FIG. 9 is an axial section view, taken within line 9-9 ofFIG. 7 , of thegrapple 208, illustrating thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 formed in theouter surface 222 of thegrapple 208. As mentioned above and further shown inFIG. 9 , thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 is oriented vertically relative to thelongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. Thus, eachtooth 220 of thesecond set 226 extends axially along the grapple 208 relative to thelongitudinal axis 230 of thegrapple 208. In operation, thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 creates an engagement (e.g., gripping or biting engagement) with theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38 when the internaltubular grappling device 220 applies a torque to the tubular 38. To this end, eachtooth 220 of thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 includes anedge 280 that will contact or “bite” theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38 when thegrapple 208 is actuated radially outward by the internaltubular grappling device 200. - The
second set 226 ofteeth 220 of thegrapple 220 is further divided into afirst plurality 282 of thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 and asecond plurality 284 of thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220. Thefirst plurality 282 ofteeth 220 is “slanted” in a first direction 286 (e.g., a first rotational direction or counter-clockwise direction), and thesecond plurality 284 ofteeth 220 is “slanted” in a second direction 288 (e.g., a second rotational direction or clockwise direction). In other words, therespective edge 280 of eachtooth 220 of thefirst plurality 282 “faces” or extends in thefirst direction 286, and therespective edge 280 of eachtooth 220 of thesecond plurality 284 “faces” or extends in thesecond direction 288. Thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220 includes the first andsecond pluralities teeth 220 to enable improved torque transfer capacity in both rotational directions (e.g.,directions 286 and 288) of the internaltubular grappling system 200. Specifically, when the internaltubular grappling system 200 is rotated in thefirst direction 286, theedges 280 of thefirst plurality 282 ofteeth 220, which are “slanted” in thefirst direction 286, will “bite” into theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38 and transfer torque from the internaltubular grappling system 200 to the tubular 38 in thefirst direction 286. Similarly, when the internaltubular grappling system 200 is rotated in thesecond direction 288, theedges 280 of thesecond plurality 284 ofteeth 220, which are “slanted” in thesecond direction 288, will “bite” into theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38 and transfer torque from the internaltubular grappling system 200 to the tubular 38 in thesecond direction 288. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first plurality 282 ofteeth 220 is formed in approximately half (e.g., 50%) of theouter surface 222 of thegrapple 208 portion having thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220, and thesecond plurality 284 ofteeth 220 is formed in approximately half (e.g., 50%) of theouter surface 222 of thegrapple 208 portion having thesecond set 226 ofteeth 220. However, in other embodiments, the first and/orsecond pluralities teeth 220 may be formed in more or less than approximately half of theouter surface 222 of thegrapple 208 depending on various design considerations. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the first andsecond pluralities teeth 220 are arranged or grouped separately from one another. In other embodiments, the first andsecond pluralities teeth 220 may be staggered and/or intermeshed with one another. - As shown, each
tooth 220 of the first andsecond pluralities teeth 220 includes ashort side 290 and along side 292. Theshort side 290 and thelong side 292 of eachtooth 220 may have varying dimensions and/or orientations. For example, an angle 294 (e.g., acute angle) of theshort side 290 relative to aradius 296 of thegrapple 208 may be approximately 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 degrees. An angle 298 (e.g., acute angle) of thelong side 292 relative to theradius 296 of thegrapple 208 may be approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees. In certain embodiments, the sum of theangles angles - As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the tubular grappling
system 42 having improved contact surfaces 44 for enabling improved gripping oftubulars 38, such as casing. The disclosed tubular grapplingsystems 42 include externaltubular grappling systems 50 which grip the tubular 38 by applying an external pressure or force on theexternal surface 52 of the tubular 38, and internal grapplingsystems 200, which grip the tubular 38 by applying an internal pressure or force on theinternal surface 202 of the tubular 38. In both the external and internal tubular grapplingsystems contact surface 44 of the grappling system 42 (e.g., grapple 208 and/or die 70) engages with the tubular 38. The weight of the tubular 38 is transferred from the tubular 38 to thecontact surface 44 of the tubular grapplingsystem 42. Similarly, when the tubular grapplingsystem 42 is used to rotate the tubular 38, torque from the contact surfaces 44 of the tubular grapplingsystem 42 is transferred to the tubular 38. To improve weight-bearing capability of the tubular grapplingsystem 42 and torque transfer from the tubular grapplingsystem 42 to the tubular 38, the disclosed embodiments of the tubular grapplingsystem 42 havecontact surfaces 44 with improved engagement features. In particular, the improved engagement features include patterns ofteeth 72 and/or 220 formed in the contact surfaces 44 that are configured to improve the amount of torque and weight that may be transferred between the tubular grapplingsystem 42 and the tubular 38. The configurations, pluralities, sets, dimensions, angles, and other characteristics of theteeth - While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
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US15/046,323 US20170234083A1 (en) | 2016-02-17 | 2016-02-17 | Engagement features for tubular grappling system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US15/046,323 US20170234083A1 (en) | 2016-02-17 | 2016-02-17 | Engagement features for tubular grappling system |
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US20170234083A1 true US20170234083A1 (en) | 2017-08-17 |
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US15/046,323 Abandoned US20170234083A1 (en) | 2016-02-17 | 2016-02-17 | Engagement features for tubular grappling system |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180363388A1 (en) * | 2017-06-19 | 2018-12-20 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Combined multi-coupler with locking clamp connection for top drive |
US20180363386A1 (en) * | 2017-06-19 | 2018-12-20 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Combined multi-coupler for top drive |
US20190071940A1 (en) * | 2017-09-05 | 2019-03-07 | Mccoy Global Inc. | Tubular Gripping Die With Improved Torque and Axial Load Handling Capabilities |
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US1478020A (en) * | 1921-05-02 | 1923-12-18 | Butler Charles Augustus | Wrench for oil-well casings |
US1559932A (en) * | 1924-05-14 | 1925-11-03 | Charles J Bogen | Rotary slip for drilling oil wells |
US2962919A (en) * | 1959-02-20 | 1960-12-06 | Web Wilson Oil Tools Inc | Gripping dies for pipe wrenches and similar devices |
US2962929A (en) * | 1955-04-07 | 1960-12-06 | Leitz Ernst Gmbh | Measuring microscope for nuclear tracks |
US3197835A (en) * | 1962-07-02 | 1965-08-03 | Cicero C Brown | Power-operated elevator devices for well pipe |
US6688394B1 (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 2004-02-10 | Coupler Developments Limited | Drilling methods and apparatus |
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2016
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US1478020A (en) * | 1921-05-02 | 1923-12-18 | Butler Charles Augustus | Wrench for oil-well casings |
US1559932A (en) * | 1924-05-14 | 1925-11-03 | Charles J Bogen | Rotary slip for drilling oil wells |
US2962929A (en) * | 1955-04-07 | 1960-12-06 | Leitz Ernst Gmbh | Measuring microscope for nuclear tracks |
US2962919A (en) * | 1959-02-20 | 1960-12-06 | Web Wilson Oil Tools Inc | Gripping dies for pipe wrenches and similar devices |
US3197835A (en) * | 1962-07-02 | 1965-08-03 | Cicero C Brown | Power-operated elevator devices for well pipe |
US6688394B1 (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 2004-02-10 | Coupler Developments Limited | Drilling methods and apparatus |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180363388A1 (en) * | 2017-06-19 | 2018-12-20 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Combined multi-coupler with locking clamp connection for top drive |
US20180363386A1 (en) * | 2017-06-19 | 2018-12-20 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Combined multi-coupler for top drive |
US10526852B2 (en) * | 2017-06-19 | 2020-01-07 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Combined multi-coupler with locking clamp connection for top drive |
US10544631B2 (en) * | 2017-06-19 | 2020-01-28 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Combined multi-coupler for top drive |
US20190071940A1 (en) * | 2017-09-05 | 2019-03-07 | Mccoy Global Inc. | Tubular Gripping Die With Improved Torque and Axial Load Handling Capabilities |
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