US20060045653A1

US20060045653A1 - Pick-up and lay-down system and method

Info

Publication number: US20060045653A1
Application number: US10/892,892
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Guidry
Original assignee: TIMCO SERVICES Inc
Current assignee: TIMCO SERVICES Inc
Priority date: 2004-07-16
Filing date: 2004-07-16
Publication date: 2006-03-02
Also published as: WO2006020142A1

Abstract

A pick-up and lay-down pipe handling system and method providing a telescopingly extendable crane boom which transports tubulars and pipes both linearly and vertically. The crane boom is preferably pivotally moveable with respect to its base and the crane may be able to rotate with a 360 degree range of rotational movement with respect to the base. The crane boom employs a cable or plurality of cables that run between at least two winches at the base of the crane boom. The cables are run through two pulleys or carriages attached to a hollowed out half pipe section into which the tubulars or pipes are placed. The winches are then activated to move the hollowed out half pipe both vertically and linearly to the desired position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods operable for automatically lifting and lowering oilfield tubulars and, more particularly, is especially suitable for lifting various tubulars throughout one or multiple worksites due to the invention's mobility and versatility.

BACKGROUND ART

Prior art oil field pipe handling systems and methods are well known for lifting and lowering drill pipe and casing to and from pipe racks, to and from the catwalk, and then onto the rig floor, and/or for stacking the pipe at other locations adjacent to or separated from the rig floor. However, the prior art systems have problems relating to moving the pipe handling systems throughout a worksite or to multiple worksites quickly and efficiently. Prior art systems are limited in their adaptability to the path of transportation typically to and from each particular rig floor, catwalk, and pipe rack arrangement. Moreover, prior art is limited in receiving pipes directly from pipe racks located linearly near the base of the rig or derrick.
A listing of U.S. patents which show various attempts to provide suitable devices, methods, and machines for handling drilling tubulars of various types and under various work situations and for various work environments includes the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,713,547; 3,774,780; 3,991,887; 4,040,524; 4,053,063; 4,140,227; 4,212,576; 4,267,675; 4,332,411; 4,491,450; 4,492,502; 4,492,502; 4,951,759; and 5,456,560.
However, the above prior art does not provide a suitable means for quickly moving from one site to another after having completed a job at a particular site. For instance, many devices have rigid structures used to hoist tubulars that are temporarily stationed on the ground during the hoisting process. Further, the stationary position of these systems allows for little room to finely maneuver the hoisted tubulars and are therefore prone to damage. Further, these systems do not allow for a rotational capability both before and after placement of the pipes in the trough or pipe carrier. Moreover, the pathway for which to load the tubulars will often vary depending on the particulars of construction for each drilling, workover, offshore, and/or onshore rig, so added mobility and rotational capability while the tubulars are hoisted can increase efficiency while loading and unloading tubulars.
It would be desirable to provide a machine which will handle all types of pipes and which will adapt to the many different transportation pathways for transporting tubulars from pipe racks to the rig floor without damage to tubulars, which are prone to damage due to sharp lateral impacts or impacts to the sensitive threaded ends thereof.
Consequently, those of skill in the art will appreciate the present invention which addresses the above and other problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the present invention, and a better understanding of the principles and details of the present invention, will be evident from the following description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances, various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated, reduced or enlarged, or otherwise distorted to facilitate an understanding of the present invention.
For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbers and wherein:
FIG. 1 is, in accordance with the present invention, an elevational view of one possible embodiment of a system and method with a pipe mounted thereon for movement to the rig floor from the catwalk in accord with the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the embodiment in the operative mode;
FIG. 2 is, in accordance with the present invention, an enlarged fragmentary side view of part of the apparatus seen in the foregoing figure;
FIG. 3 is, in accordance with the invention, a side elevational view of a pipe carrier, showing sheaves and method of support to carriages in figures; and
FIG. 4 is, in accordance with the invention, an enlarged side elevational view of the truck and boom unit of the apparatus.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For a further understanding of the nature, function, and objects of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as modes of carrying out and employing the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner. The practice of the present invention is illustrated by the following examples which are deemed illustrative of both the process taught by the present invention and of the product and article of manufacture yielded in accordance with the present invention.
In accordance with the invention, referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIG. 1, the arrow at numeral 10 broadly indicates a crane boom apparatus for preferably, but not limited to, transporting pipe between spaced-apart locations in the operating position. FIG. 1 shows the crane boom apparatus in the preferable operative position with the trough, which may embody, but is not limited to, a trough 23 in a substantially parallel position to the crane boom 8. The trough is preferably a hollowed out half pipe assembly, but can also be a fabricated trough, sling or a variety of apparatuses configured to hold pipes. The entire crane boom 8 is preferably divided in to a nontelescoping portion 16 and a telescoping portion 13. Crane boom 8 is capable of telescopic movement in the conventional manner to reach the desired length necessary to move the trough 23 into the proper unloading position. One or a plurality of cables or ropes 20 preferably attaches to at least one first winch or drum 12, preferably located at the base of the crane boom 8, and is extended over one or a plurality of pulleys 14 and then one or a plurality of second pulleys 15. At least one first winch or drum 12 is powered and functions in a conventional manner and may be alternatively attached to the crane boom 8. The cable 20 extends to conventional spaced-apart cable receiving carriages or pulleys 17 and 18 which depend from cable 20. The crane 2 of the cable boom apparatus 10 is substantially capable of 360 degree rotational movement in relation to its base 4. It should be understood that for the purpose of this invention it is not necessary for the cable boom apparatus 10 to be capable of rotational movement and that furthermore, the crane boom apparatus 10, if capable of rotational movement, does not need to fully rotate 360 degrees. The crane 2 rotational movement is powered in the conventional manner. The crane 2 and the base 4 can be one unit or a plurality of separate units. Crane boom 8 is also capable of vertical pivotal movement in regards to its crane 2 and may be powered in a conventional manner. Crane boom 8 is also capable of telescoping movement with regard to its crane 2. The crane 2 is substantially located on a base 4, which may be embodied as, but is not limited to, a truck, trailer, cab or other moveable mounting system.
Spaced-apart cable receiving carriages or pulleys 17 and 18 support conventional frame brackets or other supportive means including, but not limited to, cables, pulleys, frames, cradles and ropes. The supportive means 21 and supportive means 22 support trough 23. As shown, pipe 5 is present in the trough 23. Cable 20 then runs from frame bracket 18 to at least one second winch or drum 25. At least one second winch or drum 25 is powered in a conventional manner and may be attached to the crane 2 or the crane boom 8.
In accordance with the invention, FIG. 2 illustrates, but is not limited to, an embodiment of the trough 23 as a hollowed out half pipe assembly which has a semicircular receiving portion 215, which may be flanged on the interior. The trough 23 has support hooks 210 and 212 with respective holes 204 and 202 at each end of the trough 23.
In accordance with the invention, FIG. 2 illustrates, but is not limited to, an embodiment of the supportive means 21 and 22 as frames 83 and 84 which each have a clevis 200 and 201, which preferably pivotally connect to the support hooks 210 and 212. The clevis 200 has a pin therethrough and the clevis 201 has a pin therethrough, wherein pins 206 and 208 pass through holes 202 and 204 in the respective support hooks 210 and 212, at each end of the trough, designated generally as 23. The trough 23 is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape. The frames 83 and 84 each have a clevis 81 and 82 which preferably pivotally attaches to the substantially spaced-apart pulley 17 and 18.
In accordance with the invention, FIG. 3 illustrates, but is not limited to, an embodiment of the trough 23, which has a semi-circular receiving portion 215, which may be flanged on the interior sides. Positioned in the trough 23 is pipe or tubular 5 (not shown.) The trough 23 has support hooks 210 and 212 with respective holes 204 and 202 at each end of the trough 23.
In accordance with the invention, FIG. 4 shows, but is not limited to, base 4 which may be embodied as, but is not limited to, a truck, trailer, cab or other moveable mounting system, which has a crane 2 which may be capable, but not necessarily, of 360 degree rotational movement thereon. Located on this crane 2 is the crane boom 8 with its telescoping portions 13 and non telescoping portion 16. Crane boom 8 is also capable of pivotal vertical movement with regard to the crane 2. The crane boom apparatus 10 is shown in the operative position with the trough 23 (not shown) in a substantially parallel position to the crane boom 8. Crane boom 8 is preferably capable of telescoping movement to reach the desired length necessary to move trough 23 into the proper unloading position. Cable 20 attaches from an at least one first winch or drum 12 located on the crane 2 of the crane boom 8 and is likewise attached to at least one second winch or drum 25 located on the base of the crane boom. At least one first winch or drum 12 and at least one second winch or drum 25 are alternatively attached to crane boom 8. It should be noted that one or a plurality of first winches or drums 12 and second winches or drums 25 may be utilized in accordance with this invention.
In accordance with the invention, when in operation, apparatus 10 can function, but is not limited to functioning, in the following manner: base 4 is brought to the work site and positioned in such a fashion as to be in substantially close proximity to the pipes needed to be loaded and to the rig to which they need to be loaded. Crane boom 8 is then lowered and preferably positioned above pipes 5. At least one first winch or drum 12 and at least one second winch or drum 25 allow cable 20 to go slack, thereby allowing trough 23 to lie substantially parallel to and in contact with the ground. At that point a tubular or pipe 5 is inserted into the trough 23. When the tubular is securely and fully placed in the middle of trough 23, at least one second winch or drum 25 is then placed in a lock position thereby not allowing any more slack on cable 20. After at least one second winch or drum 25 is in a locked position, at least one first winch or drum 12 is activated, thereby retracting cable 20 and causing trough 23 to lift off the ground. When trough 23 is preferably substantially parallel to crane boom 8, at least one second winch or drum 25 is then activated, thereby allowing cable 20 to unwind, thereby allowing trough 23 to move in a forward linear manner substantially parallel to the crane boom 8. Crane 2 may possibly be rotated (if capable), moved pivotally or moved telescopically to a fine tuned position and reception of trough 23 on the rig. When the trough 23 is in the proper position for a derrick floor or other receiving station to receive the pipe or tubular 5, both at least one first winch or drum 12 and at least one second winch or drum 25 are placed in a locked position. The pipe or tubular is then unloaded from the trough 23. After the pipe or tubular is unloaded, at least one first winch 12 is activated in a reverse direction, thereby allowing cable 20 to unwind. Meanwhile, at least one second winch or drum 25 is activated to begin retracting the cable 20. During this process the trough 23 is preferably kept substantially parallel to the telescoping crane boom 8. When trough 23 reaches a predetermined position, at least one second winch or drum 25 and at least one first winch or drum 12 will begin to unwind the cable 20, thereby allowing trough 23 to lower to the ground where it can be loaded with another pipe or tubular and the process is repeated as needed.
Alternatively, in operation, apparatus 10 may function, but is not limited in functioning, as previously described herein above but with the following modification: base 4 is brought to the work site and positioned in a linear manner such that there is a direct linear pathway between the pipe rack and the rig to which the pipes need to be loaded.
It may be seen from the preceding description that a new and improved pipe pick-up and lay-down system and method has been provided. Although very specific examples have been described and disclosed, the invention of the instant application is considered to comprise and is intended to comprise any equivalent structure and may be constructed in many different ways to function and operate in the general manner as explained hereinbefore. Accordingly, it is noted that the embodiment of the new and improved pipe pick-up and lay-down system and method described herein in detail for exemplary purposes is, of course, subject to many different variations in structure, design, application and methodology. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A pipe rig independent pipe handling machine for moving tubulars comprising;

a crane;

a base;

said crane further comprising a telescoping boom;

said boom having movement capability inwardly and outwardly from said base;

a cable mounted system attached to said boom;

a trough attached to said cable system;

wherein said crane is rotatable attached said base;

wherein said trough has tubulars loaded into said trough such that tubulars are laying in a longitudinal manner; and

said trough being able to be moved substantially longitudinally relative to said boom such that tubulars can be positioned to locations that are desired in any three dimensional direction.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising;

said base being mounted on tires or wheels.

4. (canceled)

5. A pipe rig independent pipe handling machine for moving tubulars comprising:

a crane;

said crane having a base;

said base having a front and a rear wherein;

said crane further comprising a telescoping boom mounted on the rear of said crane;

said telescoping boom being able to move pivotally in a vertical fashion in regards to said base;

said telescoping boom being able to move in a telescoping fashion in regards to said base;

a moveable trough;

said crane being able to rotate about said base;

said moveable trough being movable linearly along the distance of the boom; and

one or more powered units for raising and lowering said moveable trough toward and away from a rig floor.

6. The pipe handling machine of claim 5, further comprising said one or more power units being attached to said base.

7. (canceled)

8. The pipe handling machine of claim 5, further comprising said one or more power units being attached to said crane.

9. The pipe handling machine of claim 5, wherein said telescoping boom further comprises a telescoping portion and a nontelescoping portion.

10. The pipe handling machine of claim 5, wherein said moveable trough further comprises a hollowed out half pipe containing a backstop to prevent tubulars from sliding out of the trough during operation.

11. The pipe handling machine of claim 5, wherein said moveable trough is moveable between a first position on a rig floor and a second position parallel to said boom.

12. The pipe handling machine of claim 5, further comprising the boom containing at least one pulley at the end of the boom located furthest from the crane mounting system.

13. The pipe handling machine of claim 5, further having the boom containing at least one pulley or winch located substantially near the base of the nontelescoping portion of the boom.

14. The pipe handling machine of claim 13, wherein at least one pulley or winch has at least one wire cable extending from said one pulley or winch; and

said cable being attached to carriages, said carriages being attached to a moveable trough.

15. The pipe handling machine of claim 13, wherein at least one pulley or winch has one wire rope or cable extending from said one pulley or winch; and

said wire or cable being attached to two carriages, said carriages attached to a moveable trough.

16. The pipe handling machine of claim 13, wherein at least one pulley or winch has a plurality of wires or cables extending from said one pulley or winch; and

said wires or cables being attached to two carriages, said carriages attached to a moveable trough.

17. A method for picking up or laying down oil field tubulars with respect to a rig floor independent of the pipe rig, comprising the following steps in any order:

positioning a crane attached to a base in the vicinity of said tubulars;

positioning at least one oil field tubular in an elongate trough;

contracting cable or a plurality of cables attached to said trough by clips;

raising or lowering said trough by said contracting;

providing rotational capability of said crane in relation to said base; and moving the trough linearly in relation to said base by the use of at least one power unit.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising moving the trough to or from the top of a rigging unit.

19. (canceled)

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising telescoping movement of said crane.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising vertical pivotal movement of said crane in relation to said base.

22. (canceled)

23. A method for picking up or laying down oil field tubulars with respect to a rig floor, but independent of a pipe rig, comprising the following steps in any order:

positioning a crane attached to a base in the vicinity of said tubulars;

positioning at least one oil field tubular in an elongate trough;

contracting cable or a plurality of cables attached to said trough;

raising or lowering said trough by said contracting;

providing rotational capability of said crane in relation to said base; and

moving the trough linearly in relation to said base by the use of at least one power unit.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising moving the trough to or from the top of a rigging unit.

25. (canceled)

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising telescoping movement of said crane.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising vertical pivotal movement of said crane in relation to said base.