WO2020071921A1 - Method of lifting and handling, related apparatus, wireline mast, and process - Google Patents

Method of lifting and handling, related apparatus, wireline mast, and process

Info

Publication number
WO2020071921A1
WO2020071921A1 PCT/NO2019/050203 NO2019050203W WO2020071921A1 WO 2020071921 A1 WO2020071921 A1 WO 2020071921A1 NO 2019050203 W NO2019050203 W NO 2019050203W WO 2020071921 A1 WO2020071921 A1 WO 2020071921A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mast
line
equipment
lubricator
lines
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2019/050203
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gunnar BRANDT-EILERTSEN
Original Assignee
Oil-Tech As
Trade Tech As
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oil-Tech As, Trade Tech As filed Critical Oil-Tech As
Publication of WO2020071921A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020071921A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B15/00Supports for the drilling machine, e.g. derricks or masts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to lifting and handling, in particular in connection with wire- line operations in oil and gas wells. More specifically, it relates to a method of lifting and handling equipment such as a lubricator using a wireline mast, related lifting and handling apparatus, the wireline mast, and a related process.
  • a wireline mast is typically employed on an installation for as sisting with wireline operations in a wellbore.
  • a tool string connect ed to an end of a wireline may be lowered into the wellbore through a lubricator arranged on the wellhead, by spooling out the wireline.
  • the lubricator may act to grease the wire- line and seal around the wire against fluid in the wellbore.
  • the lubricator is a slender structure which can reach a few metres upward from a wellhead when it is in stalled.
  • the wireline mast may be utilised to support an upper end of the lubricator during use in the wireline operation.
  • a lifting line from the top of mast may be connected to the upper end of the lubricator and tensioned to provide such support.
  • the lubricator may then be recovered into the lubricator, and the lubricator with the tool inside may then be lifted from the wellhead on the lifting line from the mast.
  • the wireline mast may be utilised similarly in other situations to lift other types of equipment on the lifting line.
  • Access to the wellbore may typically only be needed for a temporary period before putting the lubricator back in place. In that period, the lubricator may be disconnected from the lifting line and moved out of the way if necessary, for example if other equipment is to be
  • P28521PC00 installed that requires greater use of space. However, doing so can be inconvenient and time consuming.
  • the present invention aims to obviate or at least mitigate at least one drawback or difficul ty associated with prior art.
  • a meth od of lifting and handling comprising the steps of: providing a mast, e.g. on a floor or deck, adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the mast being fitted with first and second lines; suspending equipment from the mast on at least the first line, the equipment to facilitate in performing at least one wireline operation in the wellbore; and coupling an end of the second line to either or both of the first line and the equipment; wherein the second line is arranged to suspend the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks, and the second line is further arranged to be operable to move the equipment toward a side of the mast.
  • the second line can protect against risk of the equipment falling from the mast should the first line fail or break.
  • the equip ment By moving the equipment toward the side of the mast, the equip ment can also be brought to a position against the mast where it can be stabilised against swinging.
  • the method may typically include using at least the second line to move the suspended equipment toward a side of the mast, and/or move the suspended equipment into a posi tion against the side of the mast to free up space above the wellbore entrance.
  • the method may include suspending the equipment from the mast on the second line, e.g. without assistance of the first line, if the first line fails or breaks.
  • the equipment can be conveniently positioned to allow access to the wellbore entrance.
  • the second line can keep the equipment held against the mast, such that the equipment may advantageously be kept safely out of the way of required access areas and may meet safety standards such that personnel can work on the floor of a deck with out risk of the equipment presenting an unsafe swinging load.
  • the first and second lines may have respective lengths of pay out or extension from the mast, and the method further may comprise adapting or changing the pay out or
  • the method may further comprise increasing the length that the first line extends from the mast to transfer at least part of the weight of the suspended equipment to the second line.
  • the method may further comprise reducing the length that the second line extends from the mast to move the suspended equipment laterally toward and/or against the side of the mast.
  • the method may further comprise: supporting the equipment using the second line in ten sion in the length between the mast and the equipment; and letting the second line pivot about a point on the mast under the weight of the equipment to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast.
  • the method may further comprise: using a first motorized device, e.g. winch, to control the pay out or length that the first line may extend from the mast; or using a second motorized device, e.g. a winch, to control the pay out or length that the second line may extend from the mast.
  • the first and second motorized devices may be operable to control the amounts of pay out or lengths of the first and second lines independently of one another.
  • the first and second motorized devices may typically be arranged at or near lower end of the mast, and the first and second lines may extend upward and pass over respective sheaves on the mast from which they may be payed out.
  • the method may further comprise erecting the mast.
  • the step of erecting the mast may comprise telescopically extending coupled mast sections, using at least one vertically ar ranged linear extender, e.g. hydraulic cylinder.
  • lifting and handling appa ratus installed adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the equipment to facilitate in a wireline operation in a wellbore
  • the apparatus comprising: a mast; first and second lines fitted to and supported upon the mast; at least one motorized device operable to control an extent of either or both the first and second lines from the mast; the first line being ar ranged to be coupled to the equipment for suspending the equipment from the mast; and
  • the second line being arranged to be coupled to the equipment and operable to move the suspended equipment against a side of the mast.
  • the motorized device may be operable to increase a length that the first line may extend from the mast to let the second line operate to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast.
  • the second line may be arranged to pivot about a support point on the mast to move the equipment toward and/or against the mast or side thereof.
  • the motorized device may be operable to pull in and reduce the length that the second line may extend from the mast to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast.
  • the mast may support the first line on a first support, e.g. a sheave.
  • the first support is arranged on a cantilever which projects away from the side of the mast.
  • the mast may support the second line on a second support, e.g. a sheave.
  • the mast may comprise dual columns extending vertically, and the second sup port may then be arranged in a slot between the dual columns.
  • the mast comprises a single column and the second support may then be arranged cen trally on or above an upper end of the single column.
  • the apparatus may further comprise the equipment.
  • the ends of the first and second lines may then be coupled to the equipment.
  • the equipment may typically comprise a lubricator.
  • the mast is preferably a wireline mast.
  • the first line is typically capable of supporting the full weight of the equipment, e.g. when in tension and the equipment is hanging on the end of the first line from the mast.
  • the second line is typically capable of supporting the full weight of the equipment, e.g. when in tension and the equipment hanging on the end of the second line form the mast.
  • Either or both the first and second lines may comprise a lifting rope or cable which may comprise synthetic or natural fibres.
  • the cable may comprise metal wire.
  • the wire may comprise wire or the like configured to have the necessary strength for supporting the suspended
  • the first and second lines may be of the same type and/or same weight-bearing capacity.
  • a process comprising the steps of: providing a lubricator on a blow-out preventer, an upper end of the lubricator being connected to a first line from a mast which is arranged, e.g.
  • a method of lifting and handling comprising the steps of: providing a mast, e.g. on a floor or deck, adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the mast being fitted with first and second lines; suspending equipment from the mast on at least the first line, the equipment to fa cilitate in performing at least one wireline operation in the wellbore; coupling an end of the second line to either or both of the first line and the equipment.
  • the method may include coupling an end of the first line to the equipment.
  • the second line may advantageously be arranged to suspend or support the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks, e.g.
  • the second line can be further ar ranged to be operable to move the equipment toward a side of the mast.
  • the method may include using at least the second line to move the suspended equipment toward a side of the mast or move the suspended equipment into a position against the side of the mast to free up space above the wellbore entrance.
  • the method may include suspending the equipment from the mast on the second line if the first line fails or breaks.
  • the second line may operate to move the equipment toward or against the side of the mast if the first line fails or breaks, e.g. by accident, e.g. when the equipment is supported by the second line, and not the first line, e.g. supported only by the second line.
  • the second line may operate to move the equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast in various em bodiments by operating the first line and/or the second line to adjust their pay out, e.g. by
  • Both the first and second lines may then be used together to suspend and support the equipment, and may both do so when the equipment is moved toward or against the side of the mast.
  • lifting and handling apparatus installed adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the equipment to facilitate in a wireline operation in a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a mast; first and second lines fitted to and supported upon the mast; at least one motorized device operable to control an extent of either or both the first and second lines from the mast; the first line being ar ranged to be coupled to the equipment for suspending the equipment from the mast; and the second line being arranged to be coupled to the equipment.
  • the second line may be operable to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against a side of the mast.
  • the second line may be further arranged to be coupled to the equipment for suspending the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks.
  • a wireline mast for use in the method according to the first aspect or the fourth aspect of the invention, the mast comprising: an elongate mast body; and first and second supports for supporting respec tively the first and second lines on the mast.
  • apparatus for performing the method according to the first aspect or the fourth aspect of the invention comprising: first and second lines; a mast or at least one mast body section for form ing a mast; first and second supports on the mast or mast body section for supporting respectively the first and second lines; and at least one motorized device for adapting a length or amount of pay out of either or both the first and second lines from the first and second supports when supported thereupon.
  • a process comprising the steps of: providing a lubricator on a blow-out preventer, an upper end of the lubricator being connected to a first line from a mast which is arranged, e.g.
  • the process may include using a second line, or performing the method of the first or sixth aspect, to move the lubricator against a side of the mast.
  • the process may include suspending the lubricator on the second line from the mast if the first line fails or breaks.
  • lifting and handling apparatus comprising: a wireline mast; and first and second lines to be supported on the mast, either or both of the first and second lines to have a length of pay out or extent from the mast that is adaptable from a first configuration for suspending equipment from the mast to a second configuration for moving the suspended equipment against the side of the mast.
  • the second line may be arranged to be pulled in, e.g. on a support on the mast, toward the side of the mast.
  • the second line may be arranged to pivot toward the side of the mast.
  • any of the various aspects of the invention may include further features as described in relation to any other aspect, wherever described herein.
  • Features described in one em bodiment may be combined in other embodiments.
  • a selected feature from a first embodiment that is compatible with the arrangement in a second embodiment may be employed, e.g. as an additional, alternative or optional feature, e.g. inserted or ex changed for a similar or like feature, in the second embodiment to perform (in the second embodiment) in the same or corresponding manner as it does in the first embodiment.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective representation of lifting and handling apparatus comprising a wireline mast according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a close-up perspective view of part of the wireline mast of Figure 1 in the framed area A;
  • Figure 3 is a close-up perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 in the framed area B with foreground features cut away;
  • Figure 4 is a further close-up perspective view of part of the wireline mast of Figure 2
  • Figure 5 is a perspective representation of the lifting and handling apparatus of Fig ures 1 to 4 in use showing suspended equipment against a side of the mast;
  • Figure 6 is a close-up perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 5 in use in framed area G;
  • Figure 7 is a close-up perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 5 in framed area F;
  • Figure 8 is a side view representation of the wireline mast of Figures 1 to 7 showing, superimposed, the arrangement of the apparatus in first and second con figurations of use;
  • Figure 9 is a close-up side view of part of the wireline mast of Figure 8 in framed area E;
  • Figure 10 is a perspective representation of lifting and handling apparatus comprising a wireline mast, in a first configuration of use, according to another embod iment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 1 is a close-up perspective view of detail of the mast of Figure 10 framed ar ea P;
  • Figure 12 is a perspective representation of the lifting and handling apparatus of Fig ure 10, in a second configuration of use;
  • Figure 13 is a close-up perspective view of detail of the mast of Figure 12 in framed area Q;
  • Figure 14 is a side view representation of parts of the lifting and handling apparatus of
  • Figure 15 is a close-up perspective view of a top end of the mast of Figure 10 in
  • the appa ratus 1 includes a wireline mast 10 for assisting in wireline operations in a wellbore.
  • the mast 10 reaches vertically upward from a base 5 on a deck 3 next to an entrance of the wellbore 4.
  • the mast 10 is fitted with a first line 30, in the form of a lifting line, which is passed over a support 23 on an upper end 12 of the mast 10.
  • Equipment 8 for use in a wireline operation in the wellbore for purposes of this example a lubricator, is connected to an end 30e of the first line 30.
  • the equipment 8 is suspended on the first line 30 from the mast 10.
  • the first line 30 is supported on the support 23 which is arranged on a can-
  • P28521PC00 tilever that overhangs a side 13 of the mast.
  • a wireline 70 passes out of a top of the lubricator 8 over the lubricator sheave 8w on an upper end of the lubricator, extends to the deck sheave 3w, and from there to a wireline winch drum 74.
  • the wireline 70 is connected to a tool or tool string (not shown) inside the lubricator 8.
  • the wireline 70 can be used in wireline operations to deploy the tool or tool string in the wellbore, in which case the wireline winch drum 74 operates to spool out the wireline 70 to lower the tool on the wireline 70 into the wellbore through the wellbore en trance 4.
  • the entrance 4 to the wellbore comprises a blow-out preventer (BOP) 7 which is support ed in a frame on the deck 3.
  • BOP blow-out preventer
  • the valves of the BOP 7 have been closed to seal the wellbore, and the lubricator 8 has been lifted off the BOP 7 using the lifting wire 30 whilst the tool or tool string is stored inside the lubricator 8.
  • the wireline 70 in this configuration is“passive” in that it is not being used for wellbore operations.
  • the wireline mast 10 is also fitted with a second line 40 in the form of a securing line.
  • the second line 40 is passed over a support device 21 which is arranged at an intermediate location between upper and lower ends 12, 14 on a main body of the mast 10.
  • the end 40e of the second line 40 is also connected to the equipment 8.
  • the two lines 30, 40 are independently connected to the equipment 8, and each line 30,
  • the securing line 40 can support the full weight of the equipment 8 on the end of the line.
  • the lines 30, 40 are arranged to provide a“fail-safe” against falling load. If the first line 30 breaks when the equipment 8 is suspended from it, then the second, securing line 40 is used to support the equipment instead.
  • the securing line 40 thus functions to be a failsafe for the first line 30 in the event the first line 30 should break or otherwise not be able to hold load of the equipment 8. In such event, the securing line 40 can take over the full load of the equip ment and stop the equipment 8 from falling from the mast 10 onto the wellhead or the nearby area where personnel may be working. In this example, in the event of the first
  • the equipment 8 is also moved sideways toward the side 10 of the mast 10 by virtue of the securing line 40, as will be detailed further below.
  • the second line 40 runs from the support 21 laterally away from the mast toward the end 40e which is connected to the equipment.
  • the second line 40 bears against and is sup ported by the support 21.
  • the first and second lines 30, 40 are connected to respective winches 34, 44 which can be operated to pay out the lines 30, 40 from the mast 10 by a desired amount.
  • the winches 34, 44 can also operate to spool in the respective lines 30, 40.
  • the first line 30 can be spooled in, driven by the winch motor, to support and lift the full load of the equip ment 8.
  • the winches 34, 44 can also operate to keep equipment 8 and first and second lines 30, 40 in position under the load of the equipment 8.
  • the winches 34, 44 are operable independently of each other so that lines 30, 40 can be controlled and the amount of pay out of those lines 30, 40 from the mast 10 can be adjusted independently of each other. Yet further they can be controlled to manipulate the lines 30, 40 to position the equipment 8.
  • the lifting line 30 may be spooled out from the winch 34 while the securing line 40 is held in position on the winch 44, so as to transfer load onto the securing line 40, which results in the securing line acting to move the equipment 8 toward the side 13 of the mast 10.
  • This arrangement is described further below with ref erence to Figures 5 to 9.
  • the equipment 8 can be conveniently removed from a well centre position to allow access to the well entrance, for instance to perform another operation in the well that requires access and space above the entrance.
  • the lubricator When held against the side 13 of the mast 10, the lubricator is safely stowed and no longer poses a safety hazard as a free hanging load. This can allow compliance with industry standards in an efficient manner.
  • the wireline winch drum 74 is configured to spool in or out to allow and accommodate lifting of the equipment from the BOP using the first line 30 and moving the equipment from the position in Figure 1 against the side 13 of the mast 10 by use of the first line 30 and the second line 40.
  • the equipment 8 may thus additionally be manipulated through the independent first and second lines 30, 40 and the winches (including for lifting/lowering and stowing against the side of the mast when required), whilst in addition the second line 40 is a fail-safe for the first line 30 as described further above.
  • the mast 10 in the example has several mast sections which are telescopically connected and are erected from a collapsed position to a fully extended position. When collapsed, the sections are nested within each other, and the nested sections are folded into a stowed position where in this example they fit within a structure of the base 5.
  • hydraulic cylinders may be employed to unfold the nested sections from the base, and then to extend the sections telescopically upward.
  • the mast 10 in this example includes dual columns, and vertically oriented cylinders may be applied to each column to erect the mast.
  • the support 21 for the second line 40 is conveniently fit ted to the mast 10 in a central slot between the two columns of one of the mast sections.
  • the support 21 is set back from the surface that is to receive contact from the equipment 8 against the side 13 of the mast 10, allowing the second line 40 to hold the equipment against the side.
  • the support 21 provides a horizontal pivot axis for the second line 40 as will be seen further below.
  • the pivot axis intersects a vertical longitudi nal axis of the mast.
  • Figures 1 to 4 show the lifting and handling apparatus 1 in a first position from which the lines 30, 40 are manipulated to a second position where the equipment 8 is held against the side 13 of the mast 10.
  • Figures 5 to 9 show the apparatus 1 in the second position after manipulating the first and second lines 30, 40 and where the equipment 8 has moved into against the side of the mast 10.
  • the equipment 8 is provided with bumpers 8b that contact the side 13 of the mast and may avoid damage to the equipment 8 or the mast 10.
  • the wireline 70 is omitted from view in Figures 8 and 9.
  • the first line 30 is one of several lifting lines.
  • the mast 10 is also fitted with further lifting lines 80, 90 which pass over the upper end of the mast 10 and are connected to respective winches.
  • These lines 80, 90 may be used as a so- called“man-rider” for hoisting a person from the deck and suspending the person in a harness in elevated position from the mast. This can allow the person to perform manual tasks or inspect the equipment 8 at height, for example in and around the upper end of the lubricator 8 when the lubricator 8 is installed on the BOP 7 and is in use in a wireline op eration.
  • the lifting line 30 is connected to an upper end of the lubri cator 8 and is tensioned to support the lubricator 8 on the BOP 7.
  • Figures 8 and 9 show the equipment both in the first, initial position and the second later position.
  • reference numerals with annex“-I” signify the position of a relevant feature in a first, initial position and numerals with annex“-II” indicate the position of that feature in the sec ond position, where the equipment 8 has been brought against the side13 of the mast 10. The movement and positioning of the equipment 8 against the side 13 of the mast 10 is facilitated by the second, securing line 40.
  • the equipment 8 on the second line 40 is allowed to pivot about the support 21 , under the force of gravity and the weight of the equipment [with the second line 40 in ten sion under the weight], toward the side of the mast 10.
  • the winch 44 holds the second line 40 against movement on the support 21 , i.e. the line 40 does not slip on the support.
  • the winch 34 on the other hand spools out the first line 30 to ac commodate the pivot and transfer of weight to the second line 40.
  • the first line 30 is spooled out gradually under control of the winch 34 to ensure a gradual controlled“swing” of the equipment toward the side 13 of the mast 10.
  • the equip ment 8 In the second position, the equip ment 8 is held against the side 13 of the mast on the second line 40 which then supports the majority of the weight of the equipment 8, with the equipment in secure position, away from the well centre.
  • the wireline 70 is arranged to spool out freely so as not to hinder movement of the equipment 8 against the mast 10 using the first and second lines 30, 40.
  • P28521PC00 would be a position where the equipment 8 is located above the well entrance 4.
  • the ends 30e, 40e of the first and second lines 30, 40 are coupled to the equipment.
  • the majority of the weight of the equipment 8 is supported on the first line 30. If the first line 30 breaks or fails, it no longer can support the weight, and the second line 40 is engaged. Tension on the second line 40 is increased.
  • the weight of the equipment 8 is transferred from the first line 30 to the second line 40.
  • the equipment 8 on the sec ond line 40 is allowed to pivot about the support 21 , under the force of gravity and the weight of the equipment [with the second line 40 in tension under the weight], toward the side of the mast 10.
  • the winch 44 holds the second line 40 against movement on the support 21 , i.e. the line 40 does not slip on the support. In other exam ples, the winch 44 may be omitted and the line 40 could be fixed length.
  • the equipment 8 may typically move into location against the side of the mast. The equipment 8 is held against the side 13 of the mast on the second line 40 which then supports the majority or all of the weight of the equipment 8, with the equipment in secure position, away from the well centre.
  • the wireline 70 is arranged to spool out freely so as not to hinder movement of the equipment 8 against the mast 10.
  • Figures 10 to 15 provide another example. Corresponding or similar features to those described above in relation to the apparatus 1 are referenced using the same reference numbers but incremented by one hundred. The full description of such features is not repeated here for brevity.
  • the mast 1 10 in the appa ratus 101 is a single column variant.
  • the support 121 for the second line 140 is arranged at a top end of the mast 1 10, centrally at the top of the single column. More specifically, the support 121 is provided as part of an upper assembly 1 1 1 including additionally the support 123 for the first line 130.
  • the support 121 for the second line 140 is arranged proximally and the support 123 for the first line is arranged distally away from a vertical long axis of the column of the mast 1 10 on a cantilever overhanging the side 1 13 of the mast 1 10. This arrangement can facilitate suspending the first line 130 vertical ly from the mast 1 10 from the support 123 on the cantilever over the well entrance.
  • both supports 121 , 123 in the upper assembly 1 1 1 can be convenient to facilitate adapting single column masts or masts that otherwise may not have facility for a support for the second line to be provided in an intermediate location along the mast.
  • the weight is transferred from the first line 130-1 to the second line 140-11 by manipulation of the first line 130 using the winch 134.
  • the equipment on the second line 140 pivots about the support 121 bringing the equipment 108 to the second position against the side 1 13 of the mast 1 10.
  • the second line 40 is spooled in by the winch 44. This exerts a sideward force component on the equipment 8 and pulls the equipment 8 toward and against the side 13 of the mast 10. The load exerted by the equipment 8 transfers to the second line, as it pulls the equipment in.
  • the first line 30 may in such a variant be used to take some of the weight to reduce the overall force needed from the second line 40 and reduce required power from the winch 44.
  • a lateral force can be imparted to the equipment 8 and the wireline 30 to move the equipment toward the side 13 of the mast 10.
  • the equipment 8 on the first line 30 may pivot about the support 23 by pulling in the second line 40.
  • the securing line 40 could be spooled in by the winch 44 while the first line 30 is held in position by winch 34, so exert a pulling force on the suspended equipment and urge against the side of the mast.
  • the securing line 40 can thus be operated to pull the suspended equipment 8 laterally and into secure position against a side 13 of the
  • the second line 40 may be arranged for minimum transfer of weight to it.
  • the placement of the support 21 may differ.
  • the sup port 21 in such other embodiment is placed along the mast 10 lower than the connection point of the end 40e to the equipment 8.
  • the second line 40 is spooled in from the winch 44, pulling the equipment 8 downward and toward the side of the mast 13.
  • the winch 34 then spools out the first line 30 to accommodate the sideward and down ward movement.
  • the support 21 , 121 can take the form of a winch or a motor ized rotatable drum placed on the mast, instead of the exemplified sheave wheel. This may eliminate the need for the separate support 21 , 121 as indicated in the above embod iments, as the winch itself on the mast can support from the point at which the line pays out from the mast toward the connecting end 40e.
  • provision of the second, securing line 40 connected to the equipment 8 and which can be manipulated separately from the first line 30 can allow the lateral positioning of the equipment load to be affected to manoeuvre the equip ment from the first position where the equipment is suspended above a well entrance and position it against the side of the mast in a secure position where the equipment no longer is suspended in“free hanging” manner from the mast.
  • the end of the second line 40, 140 could attach to the first line 30, 130 above or near the end of the first line.
  • winches 34, 44 offer a convenient means for manipulating the lines 30, 40.
  • other devices than winches could potentially be used to offer equivalent functionality in terms of manipulating the first and second lines to position of the equipment in safe configuration.
  • Motorized devices can be preferred due to their convenience of operation.
  • Motorized devices, e.g. winches can have high power capabilities to spool in and out and support high loads for the equipment such as lubrica tors or other devices for wireline operations that need to be supported, lifted or lowered in various circumstances.
  • the equipment 8, 108 can be of other kinds than the lubricator.
  • the support 21 , 121 for the second line 40 is in
  • P28521PC00 the form of a wheel with a track for the line.
  • the second line 40 locates in the track, bear ing against the wheel.
  • the wheel is rotatable about a horizontal wheel axle.
  • the wheel may rotate to ac commodate the spooling of the line and limit frictional effects.
  • a static support could equally be em ployed, with or potentially without a dedicated guide track.
  • the techniques described for moving the lubricator 8, 108 against the side of the mast 10, 1 10 may take place as part of a process where wireline operations need to be paused for access to the wellbore, e.g. by other equipment.
  • An example process is as follows.
  • the lubricator 8, 108 is disposed on the BOP 7.
  • the lifting line 30, 130 is connected to an upper end of the lubricator and supports the lubricator 8, 108 from the mast 10, 1 10.
  • a further lifting line 80, 90, 180, 190 can be used to lift personnel up the mast 10, 1 10 to access and inspect the upper end of the lubricator 8, 108 as and when necessary.
  • the wireline 70 passes from the winch 74 over the sheave 8w, through the inside of the lubri cator, through the BOP 7 and into the wellbore where a tool for performing an operation in the wellbore is connected to an end of the wireline 70.
  • the wireline 70 is spooled out from the wireline winch 74. Access to the wellbore may be required through the entrance 4, requiring the wireline and tool to be removed.
  • the tool is retrieved into the inside of the lubricator 8, 108 by spooling in the wireline 70 from the winch 74.
  • the wellbore is closed and sealed against well pressure, e.g. by closing a valve on the BOP 7.
  • the second line 40 is connected to the lubricator 8.
  • the lubricator 8 is disconnected from the BOP 7 and lifted up and away from the top of the BOP 7 using the first line 30.
  • the lubricator 8, 108 is lifted into an initial position where the lubricator 8, 108 is suspended above the BOP 7. Then, the lubricator 8, 108 is moved into position against the side 13, 1 13 of the mast 10,
  • the second line 40, 140 is present as a fail-safe for the first line 30, 130, such that if the first line 30, 130 should fail or break, the second line 40, 140 will secure the lubricator 8, 108 such that the lubricator 8 is not dropped uncontrollably from the mast, and will bring it into safe location against the side of the mast. The lubricator 8 then remains suspended and supported on the second line 40, 140 from the mast.
  • the second line 40, 140 may advantageously provide the failsafe by being coupled to the equipment and supporting the equipment from the mast if the first line 30, 130 breaks, but it is not necessarily required that the second line be arranged to move the equipment toward the side of the mast.
  • other means e.g. a third line, may be employed to move the equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast, or there may be no substantial movement toward and/or against the side of the mast at all.
  • the second line may be positioned to be supported from the mast in a position so that if the weight is transferred to it, it may not swing or urge the equipment toward the side of the mast.

Abstract

A method of lifting and handling includes in at least one embodiment providing a mast on a deck adjacent or near an entrance of a wellbore, the mast being fitted with first and second lines and suspending equipment from the mast on at least the first line. The equipment e.g. a lubricator, can facilitate in performing at least one wireline operation in a well-bore. An end of the second line can be coupled to either or both of the first line and the equipment. The second line is advantageously arranged to suspend the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks. In addition, the second line can be further arranged to be operable to move the equipment toward a side of the mast. The second line can be used to move the suspended equipment into a position against a side of the mast to free up space above the wellbore entrance.

Description

METHOD OF LIFTING AND HANDLING, RELATED APPARATUS, WIRELINE MAST, AND PROCESS
The present invention relates to lifting and handling, in particular in connection with wire- line operations in oil and gas wells. More specifically, it relates to a method of lifting and handling equipment such as a lubricator using a wireline mast, related lifting and handling apparatus, the wireline mast, and a related process.
In the oil and gas industry, a wireline mast is typically employed on an installation for as sisting with wireline operations in a wellbore. In such an operation, a tool string connect ed to an end of a wireline may be lowered into the wellbore through a lubricator arranged on the wellhead, by spooling out the wireline. The lubricator may act to grease the wire- line and seal around the wire against fluid in the wellbore. Generally, the lubricator is a slender structure which can reach a few metres upward from a wellhead when it is in stalled. The wireline mast may be utilised to support an upper end of the lubricator during use in the wireline operation. A lifting line from the top of mast may be connected to the upper end of the lubricator and tensioned to provide such support.
In some situations, it may be necessary to remove the lubricator to access the wellbore with other equipment or tools. The tool may then be recovered into the lubricator, and the lubricator with the tool inside may then be lifted from the wellhead on the lifting line from the mast. The wireline mast may be utilised similarly in other situations to lift other types of equipment on the lifting line. These lifts conventionally result in the lubricator or other equipment being freely suspended above the well entrance.
Consequently, personnel on deck near the entrance to the wellbore can be at risk while the lubricator or other equipment is suspended from the mast. The load may swing un controllably on the lifting line due to external influences. Difficulties may be exacerbated when offshore where it may be necessary additionally to contend with motions from waves. In addition, if the lifting line were to fail or break, then the equipment may fall and cause injury to personnel or damage to the equipment.
Access to the wellbore may typically only be needed for a temporary period before putting the lubricator back in place. In that period, the lubricator may be disconnected from the lifting line and moved out of the way if necessary, for example if other equipment is to be
P28521PC00 installed that requires greater use of space. However, doing so can be inconvenient and time consuming.
The present invention aims to obviate or at least mitigate at least one drawback or difficul ty associated with prior art.
In light of the above, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a meth od of lifting and handling, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mast, e.g. on a floor or deck, adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the mast being fitted with first and second lines; suspending equipment from the mast on at least the first line, the equipment to facilitate in performing at least one wireline operation in the wellbore; and coupling an end of the second line to either or both of the first line and the equipment; wherein the second line is arranged to suspend the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks, and the second line is further arranged to be operable to move the equipment toward a side of the mast.
The second line can protect against risk of the equipment falling from the mast should the first line fail or break. By moving the equipment toward the side of the mast, the equip ment can also be brought to a position against the mast where it can be stabilised against swinging.
The method may typically include using at least the second line to move the suspended equipment toward a side of the mast, and/or move the suspended equipment into a posi tion against the side of the mast to free up space above the wellbore entrance. The method may include suspending the equipment from the mast on the second line, e.g. without assistance of the first line, if the first line fails or breaks.
In this way, the equipment can be conveniently positioned to allow access to the wellbore entrance. The second line can keep the equipment held against the mast, such that the equipment may advantageously be kept safely out of the way of required access areas and may meet safety standards such that personnel can work on the floor of a deck with out risk of the equipment presenting an unsafe swinging load.
Typically, the first and second lines may have respective lengths of pay out or extension from the mast, and the method further may comprise adapting or changing the pay out or
P28521PC00 length of extension from the mast of either or both the first and second lines, to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast.
The method may further comprise increasing the length that the first line extends from the mast to transfer at least part of the weight of the suspended equipment to the second line.
The method may further comprise reducing the length that the second line extends from the mast to move the suspended equipment laterally toward and/or against the side of the mast.
The method may further comprise: supporting the equipment using the second line in ten sion in the length between the mast and the equipment; and letting the second line pivot about a point on the mast under the weight of the equipment to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast.
The method may further comprise: using a first motorized device, e.g. winch, to control the pay out or length that the first line may extend from the mast; or using a second motorized device, e.g. a winch, to control the pay out or length that the second line may extend from the mast. The first and second motorized devices may be operable to control the amounts of pay out or lengths of the first and second lines independently of one another.
The first and second motorized devices may typically be arranged at or near lower end of the mast, and the first and second lines may extend upward and pass over respective sheaves on the mast from which they may be payed out.
The method may further comprise erecting the mast. The step of erecting the mast may comprise telescopically extending coupled mast sections, using at least one vertically ar ranged linear extender, e.g. hydraulic cylinder.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided lifting and handling appa ratus installed adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the equipment to facilitate in a wireline operation in a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a mast; first and second lines fitted to and supported upon the mast; at least one motorized device operable to control an extent of either or both the first and second lines from the mast; the first line being ar ranged to be coupled to the equipment for suspending the equipment from the mast; and
P28521PC00 the second line being arranged to be coupled to the equipment and operable to move the suspended equipment against a side of the mast.
The motorized device may be operable to increase a length that the first line may extend from the mast to let the second line operate to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast.
The second line may be arranged to pivot about a support point on the mast to move the equipment toward and/or against the mast or side thereof.
The motorized device may be operable to pull in and reduce the length that the second line may extend from the mast to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast.
The mast may support the first line on a first support, e.g. a sheave. The first support is arranged on a cantilever which projects away from the side of the mast.
The mast may support the second line on a second support, e.g. a sheave. In one em bodiment, the mast may comprise dual columns extending vertically, and the second sup port may then be arranged in a slot between the dual columns. In another embodiment, the mast comprises a single column and the second support may then be arranged cen trally on or above an upper end of the single column.
The apparatus may further comprise the equipment. The ends of the first and second lines may then be coupled to the equipment. The equipment may typically comprise a lubricator.
The mast is preferably a wireline mast.
The first line is typically capable of supporting the full weight of the equipment, e.g. when in tension and the equipment is hanging on the end of the first line from the mast. The second line is typically capable of supporting the full weight of the equipment, e.g. when in tension and the equipment hanging on the end of the second line form the mast. Either or both the first and second lines may comprise a lifting rope or cable which may comprise synthetic or natural fibres. The cable may comprise metal wire. The wire may comprise wire or the like configured to have the necessary strength for supporting the suspended
P28521PC00 equipment from the mast. The first and second lines may be of the same type and/or same weight-bearing capacity.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a process comprising the steps of: providing a lubricator on a blow-out preventer, an upper end of the lubricator being connected to a first line from a mast which is arranged, e.g. on a floor or deck, near or adjacent to the blow-out preventer and the lubricator, and supporting the lubricator us ing the connected line; performing a wireline operation in a wellbore using a tool connect ed to an end of a wireline, the wireline extending into the wellbore through the lubricator and the blow out preventer; spooling in the wireline, receiving the tool inside the lubricator; lifting the lubricator off the blow out preventer using the first line, thereby suspending the lubricator from the mast; and using a second line, or performing the method of the first aspect, to move the lubricator against a side of the mast. In this way, space may be freed up above an entrance to the well, e.g. for performing a further operation in the wellbore through the entrance.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of lifting and handling, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mast, e.g. on a floor or deck, adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the mast being fitted with first and second lines; suspending equipment from the mast on at least the first line, the equipment to fa cilitate in performing at least one wireline operation in the wellbore; coupling an end of the second line to either or both of the first line and the equipment. The method may include coupling an end of the first line to the equipment. The second line may advantageously be arranged to suspend or support the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks, e.g. it may be strong enough to support the entire weight of the equipment by it self without assistance from the first line. In addition, the second line can be further ar ranged to be operable to move the equipment toward a side of the mast. The method may include using at least the second line to move the suspended equipment toward a side of the mast or move the suspended equipment into a position against the side of the mast to free up space above the wellbore entrance. The method may include suspending the equipment from the mast on the second line if the first line fails or breaks. The second line may operate to move the equipment toward or against the side of the mast if the first line fails or breaks, e.g. by accident, e.g. when the equipment is supported by the second line, and not the first line, e.g. supported only by the second line. The second line may operate to move the equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast in various em bodiments by operating the first line and/or the second line to adjust their pay out, e.g. by
P28521PC00 active operation of winches or the like. Both the first and second lines may then be used together to suspend and support the equipment, and may both do so when the equipment is moved toward or against the side of the mast.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided lifting and handling apparatus installed adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the equipment to facilitate in a wireline operation in a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a mast; first and second lines fitted to and supported upon the mast; at least one motorized device operable to control an extent of either or both the first and second lines from the mast; the first line being ar ranged to be coupled to the equipment for suspending the equipment from the mast; and the second line being arranged to be coupled to the equipment. The second line may be operable to move the suspended equipment toward and/or against a side of the mast.
The second line may be further arranged to be coupled to the equipment for suspending the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireline mast for use in the method according to the first aspect or the fourth aspect of the invention, the mast comprising: an elongate mast body; and first and second supports for supporting respec tively the first and second lines on the mast.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for performing the method according to the first aspect or the fourth aspect of the invention, the appa ratus comprising: first and second lines; a mast or at least one mast body section for form ing a mast; first and second supports on the mast or mast body section for supporting respectively the first and second lines; and at least one motorized device for adapting a length or amount of pay out of either or both the first and second lines from the first and second supports when supported thereupon.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a process comprising the steps of: providing a lubricator on a blow-out preventer, an upper end of the lubricator being connected to a first line from a mast which is arranged, e.g. on a floor or deck, near or adjacent to the blow-out preventer and the lubricator, and supporting the lubricator us ing the connected line; performing a wireline operation in a wellbore using a tool connect ed to an end of a wireline, the wireline extending into the wellbore through the lubricator and the blow out preventer; spooling in the wireline, receiving the tool inside the lubricator; lifting the lubricator off the blow out preventer using the first line, thereby suspending the
P28521PC00 lubricator from the mast. The process may include using a second line, or performing the method of the first or sixth aspect, to move the lubricator against a side of the mast. The process may include suspending the lubricator on the second line from the mast if the first line fails or breaks.
In another aspect, there is provided lifting and handling apparatus comprising: a wireline mast; and first and second lines to be supported on the mast, either or both of the first and second lines to have a length of pay out or extent from the mast that is adaptable from a first configuration for suspending equipment from the mast to a second configuration for moving the suspended equipment against the side of the mast.
The second line may be arranged to be pulled in, e.g. on a support on the mast, toward the side of the mast. The second line may be arranged to pivot toward the side of the mast.
Any of the various aspects of the invention may include further features as described in relation to any other aspect, wherever described herein. Features described in one em bodiment may be combined in other embodiments. For example, a selected feature from a first embodiment that is compatible with the arrangement in a second embodiment may be employed, e.g. as an additional, alternative or optional feature, e.g. inserted or ex changed for a similar or like feature, in the second embodiment to perform (in the second embodiment) in the same or corresponding manner as it does in the first embodiment.
The various embodiments of the invention can be advantageous in ways as will be appar ent from throughout the specification.
There will now be described, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective representation of lifting and handling apparatus comprising a wireline mast according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a close-up perspective view of part of the wireline mast of Figure 1 in the framed area A;
Figure 3 is a close-up perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 in the framed area B with foreground features cut away;
Figure 4 is a further close-up perspective view of part of the wireline mast of Figure 2
P28521PC00 in framed area C;
Figure 5 is a perspective representation of the lifting and handling apparatus of Fig ures 1 to 4 in use showing suspended equipment against a side of the mast;
Figure 6 is a close-up perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 5 in use in framed area G;
Figure 7 is a close-up perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 5 in framed area F;
Figure 8 is a side view representation of the wireline mast of Figures 1 to 7 showing, superimposed, the arrangement of the apparatus in first and second con figurations of use;
Figure 9 is a close-up side view of part of the wireline mast of Figure 8 in framed area E;
Figure 10 is a perspective representation of lifting and handling apparatus comprising a wireline mast, in a first configuration of use, according to another embod iment of the invention;
Figure 1 1 is a close-up perspective view of detail of the mast of Figure 10 framed ar ea P;
Figure 12 is a perspective representation of the lifting and handling apparatus of Fig ure 10, in a second configuration of use;
Figure 13 is a close-up perspective view of detail of the mast of Figure 12 in framed area Q;
Figure 14 is a side view representation of parts of the lifting and handling apparatus of
Figures 10 and 12 showing, superimposed, the arrangement of the appa ratus in the first and second configurations of use; and
Figure 15 is a close-up perspective view of a top end of the mast of Figure 10 in
framed area R.
Referring to Figure 1 , lifting and handling apparatus 1 is generally depicted. The appa ratus 1 includes a wireline mast 10 for assisting in wireline operations in a wellbore. The mast 10 reaches vertically upward from a base 5 on a deck 3 next to an entrance of the wellbore 4. The mast 10 is fitted with a first line 30, in the form of a lifting line, which is passed over a support 23 on an upper end 12 of the mast 10. Equipment 8 for use in a wireline operation in the wellbore, for purposes of this example a lubricator, is connected to an end 30e of the first line 30. The equipment 8 is suspended on the first line 30 from the mast 10. The first line 30 is supported on the support 23 which is arranged on a can-
P28521PC00 tilever that overhangs a side 13 of the mast.
In the position of Figure 1 , the suspended portion 30p of the first line 30 runs vertically toward the end 30e, and the equipment 8 is suspended on the line 30 in spaced apart relationship away from the side 13 of the mast 10.
A wireline 70 passes out of a top of the lubricator 8 over the lubricator sheave 8w on an upper end of the lubricator, extends to the deck sheave 3w, and from there to a wireline winch drum 74. The wireline 70 is connected to a tool or tool string (not shown) inside the lubricator 8. The wireline 70 can be used in wireline operations to deploy the tool or tool string in the wellbore, in which case the wireline winch drum 74 operates to spool out the wireline 70 to lower the tool on the wireline 70 into the wellbore through the wellbore en trance 4.
The entrance 4 to the wellbore comprises a blow-out preventer (BOP) 7 which is support ed in a frame on the deck 3. In Figure 1 , the valves of the BOP 7 have been closed to seal the wellbore, and the lubricator 8 has been lifted off the BOP 7 using the lifting wire 30 whilst the tool or tool string is stored inside the lubricator 8. As can be appreciated therefore, the wireline 70 in this configuration is“passive” in that it is not being used for wellbore operations.
Referring now additionally to Figures 2 to 4, it can be appreciated that the wireline mast 10 is also fitted with a second line 40 in the form of a securing line. The second line 40 is passed over a support device 21 which is arranged at an intermediate location between upper and lower ends 12, 14 on a main body of the mast 10. The end 40e of the second line 40 is also connected to the equipment 8.
The two lines 30, 40 are independently connected to the equipment 8, and each line 30,
40 can support the full weight of the equipment 8 on the end of the line. The lines 30, 40 are arranged to provide a“fail-safe” against falling load. If the first line 30 breaks when the equipment 8 is suspended from it, then the second, securing line 40 is used to support the equipment instead. The securing line 40 thus functions to be a failsafe for the first line 30 in the event the first line 30 should break or otherwise not be able to hold load of the equipment 8. In such event, the securing line 40 can take over the full load of the equip ment and stop the equipment 8 from falling from the mast 10 onto the wellhead or the nearby area where personnel may be working. In this example, in the event of the first
P28521PC00 line 30 breaking, the equipment 8 is also moved sideways toward the side 10 of the mast 10 by virtue of the securing line 40, as will be detailed further below.
The second line 40 runs from the support 21 laterally away from the mast toward the end 40e which is connected to the equipment. The second line 40 bears against and is sup ported by the support 21.
The first and second lines 30, 40 are connected to respective winches 34, 44 which can be operated to pay out the lines 30, 40 from the mast 10 by a desired amount. The winches 34, 44 can also operate to spool in the respective lines 30, 40. The first line 30 can be spooled in, driven by the winch motor, to support and lift the full load of the equip ment 8. The winches 34, 44 can also operate to keep equipment 8 and first and second lines 30, 40 in position under the load of the equipment 8. Furthermore, the winches 34, 44 are operable independently of each other so that lines 30, 40 can be controlled and the amount of pay out of those lines 30, 40 from the mast 10 can be adjusted independently of each other. Yet further they can be controlled to manipulate the lines 30, 40 to position the equipment 8.
In particular, it can be noted that the lifting line 30 may be spooled out from the winch 34 while the securing line 40 is held in position on the winch 44, so as to transfer load onto the securing line 40, which results in the securing line acting to move the equipment 8 toward the side 13 of the mast 10. This arrangement is described further below with ref erence to Figures 5 to 9. By doing so, the equipment 8 can be conveniently removed from a well centre position to allow access to the well entrance, for instance to perform another operation in the well that requires access and space above the entrance. When held against the side 13 of the mast 10, the lubricator is safely stowed and no longer poses a safety hazard as a free hanging load. This can allow compliance with industry standards in an efficient manner. The wireline winch drum 74 is configured to spool in or out to allow and accommodate lifting of the equipment from the BOP using the first line 30 and moving the equipment from the position in Figure 1 against the side 13 of the mast 10 by use of the first line 30 and the second line 40.
The equipment 8 may thus additionally be manipulated through the independent first and second lines 30, 40 and the winches (including for lifting/lowering and stowing against the side of the mast when required), whilst in addition the second line 40 is a fail-safe for the first line 30 as described further above.
P28521PC00 The mast 10 in the example has several mast sections which are telescopically connected and are erected from a collapsed position to a fully extended position. When collapsed, the sections are nested within each other, and the nested sections are folded into a stowed position where in this example they fit within a structure of the base 5. In order to erect the mast 10, hydraulic cylinders may be employed to unfold the nested sections from the base, and then to extend the sections telescopically upward. The mast 10 in this example includes dual columns, and vertically oriented cylinders may be applied to each column to erect the mast.
In the dual column embodiment, the support 21 for the second line 40 is conveniently fit ted to the mast 10 in a central slot between the two columns of one of the mast sections. The support 21 is set back from the surface that is to receive contact from the equipment 8 against the side 13 of the mast 10, allowing the second line 40 to hold the equipment against the side. In this position, the support 21 provides a horizontal pivot axis for the second line 40 as will be seen further below. The pivot axis intersects a vertical longitudi nal axis of the mast.
Figures 1 to 4 show the lifting and handling apparatus 1 in a first position from which the lines 30, 40 are manipulated to a second position where the equipment 8 is held against the side 13 of the mast 10. Figures 5 to 9 show the apparatus 1 in the second position after manipulating the first and second lines 30, 40 and where the equipment 8 has moved into against the side of the mast 10. The equipment 8 is provided with bumpers 8b that contact the side 13 of the mast and may avoid damage to the equipment 8 or the mast 10. The wireline 70 is omitted from view in Figures 8 and 9.
In the apparatus 1 , the first line 30 is one of several lifting lines. As can be seen, the mast 10 is also fitted with further lifting lines 80, 90 which pass over the upper end of the mast 10 and are connected to respective winches. These lines 80, 90 may be used as a so- called“man-rider” for hoisting a person from the deck and suspending the person in a harness in elevated position from the mast. This can allow the person to perform manual tasks or inspect the equipment 8 at height, for example in and around the upper end of the lubricator 8 when the lubricator 8 is installed on the BOP 7 and is in use in a wireline op eration. In such an operation, the lifting line 30 is connected to an upper end of the lubri cator 8 and is tensioned to support the lubricator 8 on the BOP 7.
P28521PC00 In order to better indicate the sequence of movement in use, Figures 8 and 9 show the equipment both in the first, initial position and the second later position. In Figures 8 and 9, reference numerals with annex“-I” signify the position of a relevant feature in a first, initial position and numerals with annex“-II” indicate the position of that feature in the sec ond position, where the equipment 8 has been brought against the side13 of the mast 10. The movement and positioning of the equipment 8 against the side 13 of the mast 10 is facilitated by the second, securing line 40.
Referring again then to Figures 8 and 9, moving the equipment 8 against the side of the mast 10 in this example takes place as follows. The equipment 8 is suspended in an ini tial, first position spaced apart from the side of the mast. Typically, this would be a posi tion where the equipment 8 is located above the well entrance 4. The ends 30e, 40e of the first and second lines 30, 40 are coupled to the equipment. In the first position, the majority of the weight of the equipment 8 is supported on the first line 30. Tension on the first line 30 from the winch is released gradually by spooling out on the winch 34. As a result, the second line 40 is gradually engaged and tension on the second line 40 is in creased. The weight of the equipment 8 is transferred from the first line 30 to the second line 40. The equipment 8 on the second line 40 is allowed to pivot about the support 21 , under the force of gravity and the weight of the equipment [with the second line 40 in ten sion under the weight], toward the side of the mast 10. During pivoting, the winch 44 holds the second line 40 against movement on the support 21 , i.e. the line 40 does not slip on the support. The winch 34 on the other hand spools out the first line 30 to ac commodate the pivot and transfer of weight to the second line 40. The first line 30 is spooled out gradually under control of the winch 34 to ensure a gradual controlled“swing” of the equipment toward the side 13 of the mast 10. In the second position, the equip ment 8 is held against the side 13 of the mast on the second line 40 which then supports the majority of the weight of the equipment 8, with the equipment in secure position, away from the well centre. The wireline 70 is arranged to spool out freely so as not to hinder movement of the equipment 8 against the mast 10 using the first and second lines 30, 40.
The previous paragraph above describes the movement using the winches 34 to spool out in controlled fashion to move from the initial position to the second position. Flowever, it can be appreciated that the equipment is handled similarly and is moved toward the side of the mast also in the“fail-safe” mode, i.e. if the first line 30 breaks or fails and the sec ond line 40 is relied upon to take the load of the equipment 8. The equipment 8 is sus pended in an initial, first position spaced apart from the side of the mast. Typically, this
P28521PC00 would be a position where the equipment 8 is located above the well entrance 4. The ends 30e, 40e of the first and second lines 30, 40 are coupled to the equipment. In the first position, the majority of the weight of the equipment 8 is supported on the first line 30. If the first line 30 breaks or fails, it no longer can support the weight, and the second line 40 is engaged. Tension on the second line 40 is increased. The weight of the equipment 8 is transferred from the first line 30 to the second line 40. The equipment 8 on the sec ond line 40 is allowed to pivot about the support 21 , under the force of gravity and the weight of the equipment [with the second line 40 in tension under the weight], toward the side of the mast 10. During pivoting, the winch 44 holds the second line 40 against movement on the support 21 , i.e. the line 40 does not slip on the support. In other exam ples, the winch 44 may be omitted and the line 40 could be fixed length. The equipment 8 may typically move into location against the side of the mast. The equipment 8 is held against the side 13 of the mast on the second line 40 which then supports the majority or all of the weight of the equipment 8, with the equipment in secure position, away from the well centre. The wireline 70 is arranged to spool out freely so as not to hinder movement of the equipment 8 against the mast 10.
Figures 10 to 15 provide another example. Corresponding or similar features to those described above in relation to the apparatus 1 are referenced using the same reference numbers but incremented by one hundred. The full description of such features is not repeated here for brevity.
The main difference in the example of Figures 10 to 15 is that the mast 1 10 in the appa ratus 101 is a single column variant. In this variant, the support 121 for the second line 140 is arranged at a top end of the mast 1 10, centrally at the top of the single column. More specifically, the support 121 is provided as part of an upper assembly 1 1 1 including additionally the support 123 for the first line 130. The support 121 for the second line 140 is arranged proximally and the support 123 for the first line is arranged distally away from a vertical long axis of the column of the mast 1 10 on a cantilever overhanging the side 1 13 of the mast 1 10. This arrangement can facilitate suspending the first line 130 vertical ly from the mast 1 10 from the support 123 on the cantilever over the well entrance.
In Figures 10 to 15, the wireline 70, winch 74, and well entrance 4 are omitted from view, although in practice they may be present and configured in the same way as for Figures 1 to 9.
P28521PC00 The inclusion of both supports 121 , 123 in the upper assembly 1 1 1 can be convenient to facilitate adapting single column masts or masts that otherwise may not have facility for a support for the second line to be provided in an intermediate location along the mast.
Moving the equipment 108 against the side 1 13 of the mast 1 10 is performed essentially in the same way as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 9, as can be seen most easily by reference to Figure 14 which shows the configuration of the first and second lines 130,
140 in the respective first and second positions indicated by suffixes“-I” and“-II”. The weight is transferred from the first line 130-1 to the second line 140-11 by manipulation of the first line 130 using the winch 134. The equipment on the second line 140 pivots about the support 121 bringing the equipment 108 to the second position against the side 1 13 of the mast 1 10.
It must be emphasised that there are clearly many ways within the scope of the invention to manipulate the first and second lines 30, 130, 40, 140 to move the equipment 8, 108 alongside the side of the mast 10, 1 10.
Consider for example the initial, first position in the case of the apparatus 1 . From this position in another variant, the second line 40 is spooled in by the winch 44. This exerts a sideward force component on the equipment 8 and pulls the equipment 8 toward and against the side 13 of the mast 10. The load exerted by the equipment 8 transfers to the second line, as it pulls the equipment in. The first line 30 may in such a variant be used to take some of the weight to reduce the overall force needed from the second line 40 and reduce required power from the winch 44.
By tensioning or pulling on the portion of the second line 40 extending between the equipment 8 and the support device 21 , a lateral force can be imparted to the equipment 8 and the wireline 30 to move the equipment toward the side 13 of the mast 10. The equipment 8 on the first line 30 may pivot about the support 23 by pulling in the second line 40.
Alternatively, the securing line 40 could be spooled in by the winch 44 while the first line 30 is held in position by winch 34, so exert a pulling force on the suspended equipment and urge against the side of the mast. The securing line 40 can thus be operated to pull the suspended equipment 8 laterally and into secure position against a side 13 of the
P28521PC00 mast. The second line 40 may be arranged for minimum transfer of weight to it.
In further variants still, the placement of the support 21 may differ. For example, the sup port 21 in such other embodiment is placed along the mast 10 lower than the connection point of the end 40e to the equipment 8. In this variant, the second line 40 is spooled in from the winch 44, pulling the equipment 8 downward and toward the side of the mast 13. The winch 34 then spools out the first line 30 to accommodate the sideward and down ward movement.
In further embodiments still, the support 21 , 121 can take the form of a winch or a motor ized rotatable drum placed on the mast, instead of the exemplified sheave wheel. This may eliminate the need for the separate support 21 , 121 as indicated in the above embod iments, as the winch itself on the mast can support from the point at which the line pays out from the mast toward the connecting end 40e.
Indeed, it can be seen generally that provision of the second, securing line 40 connected to the equipment 8 and which can be manipulated separately from the first line 30 can allow the lateral positioning of the equipment load to be affected to manoeuvre the equip ment from the first position where the equipment is suspended above a well entrance and position it against the side of the mast in a secure position where the equipment no longer is suspended in“free hanging” manner from the mast. In some variants, the end of the second line 40, 140 could attach to the first line 30, 130 above or near the end of the first line.
Furthermore, clearly, the winches 34, 44 offer a convenient means for manipulating the lines 30, 40. In other variants however, other devices than winches could potentially be used to offer equivalent functionality in terms of manipulating the first and second lines to position of the equipment in safe configuration. Motorized devices can be preferred due to their convenience of operation. Motorized devices, e.g. winches, can have high power capabilities to spool in and out and support high loads for the equipment such as lubrica tors or other devices for wireline operations that need to be supported, lifted or lowered in various circumstances.
The equipment 8, 108 can be of other kinds than the lubricator.
Furthermore, in the examples described, the support 21 , 121 for the second line 40 is in
P28521PC00 the form of a wheel with a track for the line. The second line 40 locates in the track, bear ing against the wheel. The wheel is rotatable about a horizontal wheel axle. Thus, when the second line 40 is spooled out or in from the winch 44, the wheel may rotate to ac commodate the spooling of the line and limit frictional effects. However, it can be appre ciated that a wheel is not necessarily required. A static support could equally be em ployed, with or potentially without a dedicated guide track. The same applies to the support 23,123 for the first line 30, which for purposes only of the examples of the draw ings is in the form of a wheel and could clearly be a support of another kind.
The techniques described for moving the lubricator 8, 108 against the side of the mast 10, 1 10 may take place as part of a process where wireline operations need to be paused for access to the wellbore, e.g. by other equipment. An example process is as follows. The lubricator 8, 108 is disposed on the BOP 7. The lifting line 30, 130 is connected to an upper end of the lubricator and supports the lubricator 8, 108 from the mast 10, 1 10. A further lifting line 80, 90, 180, 190 can be used to lift personnel up the mast 10, 1 10 to access and inspect the upper end of the lubricator 8, 108 as and when necessary. The wireline 70 passes from the winch 74 over the sheave 8w, through the inside of the lubri cator, through the BOP 7 and into the wellbore where a tool for performing an operation in the wellbore is connected to an end of the wireline 70. The wireline 70 is spooled out from the wireline winch 74. Access to the wellbore may be required through the entrance 4, requiring the wireline and tool to be removed. The tool is retrieved into the inside of the lubricator 8, 108 by spooling in the wireline 70 from the winch 74. The wellbore is closed and sealed against well pressure, e.g. by closing a valve on the BOP 7. The second line 40 is connected to the lubricator 8. The lubricator 8 is disconnected from the BOP 7 and lifted up and away from the top of the BOP 7 using the first line 30. The lubricator 8, 108 is lifted into an initial position where the lubricator 8, 108 is suspended above the BOP 7. Then, the lubricator 8, 108 is moved into position against the side 13, 1 13 of the mast 10,
1 10 by way of the first and second lines 30, 40, 130, 140. In this way, space is freed up above the entrance 4 and the lubricator 8, 108 is safely and securely stowed so that it no longer presents any risk as a free-hanging load. An intermediate operation can then be performed in the wellbore through the well entrance 4 and BOP 7 while the lubricator 8, 108 is held against the mast. After the intermediate operation is completed, the lubricator 8, 108 is put back in place by performing the steps in reverse sequence, and a wireline operation can be resumed using wireline 70 with the lubricator 8, 108 back in place on the BOP 7.
P28521PC00 Throughout this process, the second line 40, 140 is present as a fail-safe for the first line 30, 130, such that if the first line 30, 130 should fail or break, the second line 40, 140 will secure the lubricator 8, 108 such that the lubricator 8 is not dropped uncontrollably from the mast, and will bring it into safe location against the side of the mast. The lubricator 8 then remains suspended and supported on the second line 40, 140 from the mast.
Various other modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention herein described. In one variant, such as under the fourth aspect of the invention mentioned above, the second line 40, 140 may advantageously provide the failsafe by being coupled to the equipment and supporting the equipment from the mast if the first line 30, 130 breaks, but it is not necessarily required that the second line be arranged to move the equipment toward the side of the mast. For example, other means e.g. a third line, may be employed to move the equipment toward and/or against the side of the mast, or there may be no substantial movement toward and/or against the side of the mast at all. To this end, the second line may be positioned to be supported from the mast in a position so that if the weight is transferred to it, it may not swing or urge the equipment toward the side of the mast.
P28521PC00

Claims

1 . A method of lifting and handling, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a mast adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the mast being fitted with first and second lines;
suspending equipment from the mast on at least the first line, the equipment to facilitate in performing at least one wireline operation in the wellbore;
coupling an end of the second line to either or both of the first line and the equip ment;
the second line being arranged to suspend the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks, and being further arranged to be operable to move the equipment to ward a side of the mast.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , which further comprises: supporting the equip ment using the second line in tension in the length between the mast and the equipment; and letting the second line pivot about a point on the mast under the weight of the equip ment to move the suspended equipment against the side of the mast.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, which further comprises using the second line to move the equipment into a position against a side of the mast to free up space above the wellbore entrance, wherein the first and second lines have respective lengths of pay out or extension from the mast, and the method further comprises adapting or changing the pay out or length of extension from the mast of either or both the first and second lines, to move the suspended equipment against the side of the mast.
4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, which further comprises increasing the length that the first line extends from the mast to transfer at least part of the weight of the suspended equipment to the second line.
5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, which further comprises reducing the length that the second line extends from the mast to move the suspended equipment lat erally toward and against the side of the mast.
6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, which further comprises:
P28521PC00 using a first motorized device, e.g. winch, to control the pay out or length that the first line extends from the mast;
using a second motorized device, e.g. a winch, to control the pay out or length that the second line extends from the mast;
wherein the first and second motorized devices are operable to control the amounts of pay out or lengths of the first and second lines independently of one another.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second motorized devices are arranged at or near a lower end of the mast, and the first and second lines extend upward and pass over respective sheaves on the mast from which they are payed out.
8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, which further comprises erecting the mast.
9. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of erecting the mast comprises telescopically extending coupled mast sections, using at least one vertically arranged lin ear extender, e.g. hydraulic cylinder.
10. Lifting and handling apparatus installed adjacent to or near an entrance of a well bore, the equipment to facilitate in a wireline operation in a wellbore, the apparatus com prising:
a mast;
first and second lines fitted to and supported upon the mast; and
at least one motorized device operable to control an extent of either or both the first and second lines from the mast;
the first line being arranged to be coupled to the equipment for suspending the equipment from the mast; and
the second line being arranged to be coupled to the equipment for suspending the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks, and operable to move the sus pended equipment toward a side of the mast.
1 1. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the motorized device is operable to increase the length that the first line extends from the mast to let the second line operate to move the suspended equipment toward and against the side of the mast.
P28521PC00
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the second line is arranged to pivot about a support point on the mast to move the equipment against the mast.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the motorized device is operable to pull in and reduce the length that the second line extends from the mast to move the suspended equipment against the side of the mast.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the mast supports the first line on a first support, e.g. a sheave.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first support is arranged on a canti lever which projects away from the side of the mast.
16. Apparatus as claimed in any of claim 10 to 15, wherein the mast supports the sec ond line on a second support, e.g. a sheave.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the mast comprises dual columns ex tending vertically, and the second support is arranged in a slot between the dual columns.
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the mast comprises a single column and the second support is arranged centrally on or above an upper end of the single col umn.
19. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 18, further comprising the equipment, wherein ends of the first and second lines are coupled to the equipment and the equip ment comprises a lubricator.
20. A wireline mast for use in the method of any of claims 1 to 9, the mast comprising: an elongate mast body; and
first and second supports for supporting respectively the first and second lines on the mast.
21. Apparatus for performing the method of any of claims 1 to 9, the apparatus com prising:
first and second lines;
a mast or at least one mast body section for forming a mast;
P28521PC00 first and second supports on the mast or mast body section for supporting respec tively the first and second lines; and
at least one motorized device for adapting a length or amount of pay out of either or both the first and second lines from the first and second supports when supported thereupon.
22. A process comprising the steps of:
providing a lubricator on a blow-out preventer, an upper end of the lubricator being connected to a first line from a mast which is arranged near or adjacent to the blow-out preventer and the lubricator, and supporting the lubricator using the connected line;
performing a wireline operation in a wellbore using a tool connected to an end of a wireline, the wireline extending into the wellbore through the lubricator and the blow out preventer;
spooling in the wireline, receiving the tool inside the lubricator;
lifting the lubricator off the blow out preventer using the first line, thereby suspend ing the lubricator from the mast;
suspending the lubricator on a second line from the mast if the first line fails or breaks; and
using the second line or performing the method of any of claims 1 to 9, to move the lubricator against a side of the mast.
23. A method of lifting and handling, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a mast adjacent to or near an entrance of a wellbore, the mast being fitted with first and second lines;
suspending equipment from the mast on at least the first line, the equipment to facilitate in performing at least one wireline operation in the wellbore; and
coupling an end of the second line to either or both of the first line and the equip ment;
the second line being arranged to suspend the equipment from the mast if the first line fails or breaks,
P28521PC00
PCT/NO2019/050203 2018-10-01 2019-10-01 Method of lifting and handling, related apparatus, wireline mast, and process WO2020071921A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20181272 2018-10-01
NO20181272 2018-10-01

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2071599A (en) * 1980-03-18 1981-09-23 Carronhall Eng Ltd Improvements in wireline masts
WO2011148184A2 (en) * 2010-05-26 2011-12-01 Quality Intervention As Well intervention method and apparatus
US20180202244A1 (en) * 2017-01-13 2018-07-19 CAJUN SERVICES UNLIMITED, LLC d/b/a SPOKED MANUFACTURING Compensating rig elevator

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2071599A (en) * 1980-03-18 1981-09-23 Carronhall Eng Ltd Improvements in wireline masts
WO2011148184A2 (en) * 2010-05-26 2011-12-01 Quality Intervention As Well intervention method and apparatus
US20180202244A1 (en) * 2017-01-13 2018-07-19 CAJUN SERVICES UNLIMITED, LLC d/b/a SPOKED MANUFACTURING Compensating rig elevator

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