MXPA06007927A - Pick-up and lay-down system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A pick-up and lay-down pipe handling system and method provides a telescopingly extendable pipe trough which is telescopingly extendable from a lift frame. The lift frame is preferably pivotally moveable with respect to a support. A tilting mechanism is operable for tilting the pipe trough to either lateral side for unloading and/or loading purposes. A lift frame with slidable powered lift heads is provided to raise and lower pipes from a pipe rack to the pipe trough. A pivotal guide member on the slidable powered lift head to pivot into a guiding position for guiding pipe from the lift frame onto the pipe trough.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COLLECTION AND PLACEMENT TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to devices and methods operable to automatically raise and lower tubulars in the oil field and, more particularly, is especially suitable for lifting heavy tubulars of large diameter or other tubular which are especially prone to side impact and damage by friction during transport due to its significant weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Systems and methods for handling oil field tubes of the prior art are well known for raising and lowering drill pipes and casing pipes to and from pipe racks, to and from the ramp, and then onto the equipment platform, and / or to stack the tube in other locations adjacent to or separated from the equipment platform. However, the prior art systems have problems related to the damage of the tubulars during this process. In addition, prior art systems are limited in their adaptability to the transport path typically to and from each particular equipment platform, ramp, and pipe floor layout.

Numerous U.S.A. Patents show various attempts to provide devices, methods, and appropriate machines for handling tubular drills of various types and under various work situations and for various work environments. However, the prior art does not provide an appropriate means to move the tubes so that they can arrive at the equipment platform without experiencing virtually acute lateral impacts and / or friction damage in sensitive areas such as ropes. For example, heavy tubulars such as casing tubes, due to their great weight and diameter, can be easily damaged by side impacts and / or even by impacts to the rope protectors during movement from the pipe platform, to the ramp, and then towards the drilling platform. Transport from the pipe platform to the equipment platform often involves an irregular and difficult trajectory for moving heavy items. In addition, this trajectory will frequently vary depending on the particularities of construction for each drilling, reconditioning, offshore and / or ground equipment. It would be desirable to provide a machine which handles all types of tube and which is adapted to many different transport routes, to transport tubulars from pallets for tube to the platform of the equipment without damage even to extremely heavy, long tubular and / or other tubulars prone to damage due to acute side impacts or impacts to sensitive threaded ends thereof.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate the present invention which addresses these and other problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are given like reference numerals or the like and where: Figure 1 is an elevation view, partially in dotted lines, of a possible embodiment of a system and method with a tube mounted just above it for movement towards the platform of the equipment from the ramp in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is an elevation view, partially in dotted lines, of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 when initially raised and adjusted in height for a particular platform of the equipment; Figure 3 is an elevation view, partially in dotted lines, of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 where a full channel for laterally supporting and transporting the tube extends outward from a tube conveyor to avoid any friction and / or lateral impacts acting on the tube when the tube moves in the direction of the equipment platform; Figure 4 is an elevation view, partially in dotted lines, of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 where the channel is now on the equipment platform; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view, partially in dotted lines, of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing a pipe in several stages of movement from a pipe platform or other tube support to a slidable channel in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view, partially in dotted lines, of the system in Figure 5 illustrating that the channel can be tilted in any direction as desired for loading and unloading.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference now to the drawings and, more particularly, to the Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4, shows a series of elevational views of a currently preferred embodiment of a system for handling pipe 10 during operation. The system 10 smoothly guides the tube 12, which can be a very large diameter tube such as surface coating tube, or drill pipe, or any other type of tube, from the ramp 14. The ramp 14, as shown in FIG. used in the present document, can refer to any other platform or lower location which leads to the platform of the equipment 16. The platform of the equipment 16, as used herein can be a platform of equipment for drilling, equipment platform for reconditioning, drilling rig platform, pipe storage location, or any other location which is generally elevated with respect to a lower position, such as ramp 14, pipe deck, or other pipe storage locations . A team can be an offshore equipment, reconditioning equipment, drilling equipment, and the like, to work with drilling. Special apparatuses for placing the tube 12 on the movable channel 18 or removing the tube 12 from the movable channel 18 to / from another location such as a pallet for tube or lower location or possibly a higher location, is not shown in this series of figures but the novel and currently preferred features are shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, as discussed below. As seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the channel 18 preferably has a cross section that is generally smooth with a relatively broad sloping surface with a generally lower center 20 within which the tube is guided by gravity. Note that the channel 18 is preferably relatively wide and can therefore handle very long tubes. The entire channel or substantially the entire side width is preferably slightly V-shaped, curved as desired, or configured to thereby delicately steer the tube 12 to the center 20. In a presently preferred embodiment, the channel 18 is not flat or even but gradually inclined along its full lateral width for guidance purposes. Due to this gradual inclination, if desired, multiple drill pipes (which are generally much smaller in diameter than some types of lining pipe, for example, surface coating pipe) could be placed on channel 18 for movement simultaneous, if desired. Furthermore, the channel 18 is preferably smooth along its axial length without dents, rivets, bolts, ridges or the like which could cause impacts when the tube 12 is placed or removed from the channel 18. Thus, mechanical connections can be made to the channel 18 below channel 18 to avoid a rough surface, if desired. In the operating position of the system 10 shown in the Figure 1, the tube 12 is substantially parallel to the channel 18. The tube 12 is also substantially parallel to the platform 26. The tube 12 is also substantially parallel to the surface of the ramp 14 or other surface from which the tube 12 is going to move. Before being picked up, or after being placed, the tube 12 is also typically in the same plane as that of the tube and / or floor platform 15 which can be located below or adjacent to the ramp 14. The channel 18 is slidably extendable and it may in fact not be directly connected to the platform 26. The channel 18 is supported by the lifting structure 30 which can be mounted in a rotatable manner and / or in a rotatable manner slidable with respect to the platform 26. As a rough comparison, the channel 18 extends from the structure for elevation 30 similar to an externally extending fire ladder. Accordingly, the channel 18 is preferably mounted non-rigidly and has no connection fixed at the rear to the platform 26. The length of the channel 18 may or may not reach or pass the end of the platform 28, as desired. The platform 26 rests on the ramp 14 or any other desired surface which will typically be below the platform of the equipment 16 although the theoretically slidable channel 18 could move the tube 12 horizontally towards the platform of the equipment 16 if the platform of the equipment 16 was substantially parallel or just below the plane of movement of the tube 12. The channel 18 preferably has the leg member 32 positioned thereon to prevent movement of the tube 12 away from the equipment platform 16. The leg member 32 preferably it engages the thread shield 24 of the tube 12. If desired, the leg member 32 can be movable and / or adjustable. In Figure 2, it can be seen that the structure for elevation 30 begins to tilt up towards the direction of the platform of the equipment 16. The connection 34 between the structure for elevation 30 and the platform 26 is preferably mounted in a rotatable manner but can be of many different types as desired. As an example, the pivot members 34 shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 can be used. If desired, for example, the rear part of the lifting structure 30 could also be lifted upwardly from the platform 26. However, in a currently preferred embodiment, a pair of hydraulic parallel jacks with hydraulic jack 36 shown in the front part, is used to move up the end of the lifting structure 30 closest to the equipment platform 16. The hydraulic jack 36 is preferably mounted rotatably with respect to the lifting structure 30 and the platform 26 and can be mechanically interconnected there in a variety of ways, as desired. In addition, various types of mechanical connections and other types or arrangements of lifting devices such as the hydraulic jack 36 can be used as desired with the net effect of repeatedly raising and / or lowering the lifting structure 30, channel 18, and from then, the tube 12 during the operation of the system 10. The tube 12 is prevented from sliding down into the channel 18 when the lifting structure 30 becomes more inclined through the leg 32. In Figure 3, the channel 18 begins to extend outwardly from the structure for elevation 30. Although many possible mechanical configurations can be used to perform the extension function, in a currently preferred embodiment, the hydraulic jack with piston 38 and cylinder 40 can be mounted on the structure for lifting 30 for this purpose. The cylinder 40 can be secured to the leg 32 and / or other portions of the channel 18 such that when the cylinder 40 hydraulically extends from the piston 38 the channel 18 extends outwardly from the lifting structure 30. The cylinder 40 and the piston 38 can be provided with support members and / or guide members that support and / or guide the operational movement of the cylinder 40 and the piston 38. Interlock connections can be used as desired and positioned as desired to provide support between the cylinder 40, the piston 38, the structure for elevation 30 and channel 18. Figure 4 shows the channel 18 extended towards the desired position. It will be noted that the tube 12 has never moved, relative to the channel 18, and has simply been positioned within the channel 18 when the channel 18 extends from the structure for elevation 30. Thus, there have been virtually no side impacts or friction damage to the tube 12 during the extension / retraction movement of the channel 18 with respect to the lifting structure 30. The assembly of the equipment will now typically engage the end 22 of the tube 12 with the equipment blocks or other lifting means such that the guard The thread 24 of the tube 12 slides along the smooth surface of the channel 18 until it is suspended in the air for assembly towards a tubular chain. Preferably the system 10 is of the size to be easily changed to a location. In other words, the system 10 is preferably transportable from one equipment to another instead of requiring the system 10 to be incorporated into the equipment. However, it should be appreciated that, if desired, the system 10 can be held more permanently or otherwise placed on the equipment site. The system 10 can be controlled remotely from the platform of the equipment 16 or the ground, or in other locations, as desired. Adjustable stops can be used for joints of different sized pipes and to start and stop the operation at desired locations automatically. For reference of a possible modality and shown only for comparison purposes, the channel 18 can accommodate tubular of various sizes and tubes. Here, as illustrated in Figure 5, the tube 12 is a large diameter casing tube while the tube 13 is a relatively smaller diameter casing tube. As discussed in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the channel 18 is also rotatable along its axis of axial length by hydraulic members for loading and unloading to the side of the channel 18. When in lowered position, retracted where the channel 18 is completely collapsed or retracted as shown in Figure 1, then channel 18 is supported by guide rails 39 and corresponding slots 41 on either side of channel 18 and one or more clamps of center 42 of the structure for elevation 30 (see the exterior surface of the structure for elevation 30 in Figure 1. - Figure 4). The lifting structure 30 can preferably also comprise the outer support rails, such as the outer rails 44 and 46. The channel 18 can be mounted to the outer rails 44 and 46 of the structure for lifting by oiled sliding connections, rollers, placed appropriately interlocking telescopic joints and / or other properly positioned mechanical means by means of which the relative extension between two members during the operation of the same is achieved. When placed in lowered position, as shown from the side in Figure 1, then the channel 18 can be tilted in any direction by multiple hydraulic lifters on either side of the channel 18 two of which are shown in Figs. 5 and 6, particularly the hydraulic elevators 48 and 50. Hydraulic elevators, such as the elevators 48 and 50 are secured to the platform 26 which can rest on the ramp 14 or other suitable support, such as the floor. When the channel 18 is in the folded, lowered position shown in Figure 1, then the ends of the hydraulic elevators in fixed position, such as the ends of the elevators 48 and 50, are aligned with the receptacles such as the receptacles 52 and 54. Thus, preferably when in the collapsed, lowered position, the channel 18 can be tilted as shown in Figure 6, such as to discharge the tube 12, by extending at least one of the hydraulic elevators 48 and 50. Each side of the channel 18 will preferably have several hydraulic elevators and the elevators on each side act in combination to tilt the channel 18. It will be better understood from the observation of Figure 5 and Figure 6 that the channel 18 can be tilted in any direction to allow the discharge and / or loading of the tube from either side of the channel 18 by controlling the relative amounts of extension of the hydraulic elevators 48 and 50. In one embodiment, the tube lifting structure 62 preferably aids in the stabilization of the system 10. In this embodiment, the tube lifting structure 62 is fixedly fastened to the system 10. It should be understood that the exact attachment point for the lifting structure 62 can be vary depending on the configuration parameters on the equipment including, but not limited to, the location of the pipe floor and any space limitations. It should be further understood that the tube lift structure 62 can also be independent of the system 10 and serves primarily to raise the tube 12, or the tube 13, to the channel 18. Still further, it should be appreciated that the tube lift structure 62 can help to stabilize the system 10 if it is fixedly fastened or removably mounted. In another aspect of the invention, the hydraulic loader 60 can be used to load and discharge the tube with respect to the channel 18. While only the hydraulic loader 60, and only a tube lift structure 62, are shown, it will be understood that multiple hydraulic loaders 60 can be used to support the tube along its length. Preferably, at least two hydraulic loaders can be used. The tube elevation structure 62 may extend from the edge 64 of the platform 26 to the floor or to a lower platform and preferably extend through a tube deck (not shown) or similar where the tube is provided. to be loaded / downloaded. The pipe deck may be at the same horizontal level as the ramp 14, or lower, and may still be significantly lower. Conceivably the platform for the tube could also be higher but then the member for elevation 66 could need to be reoriented. In the normal case where the tube stand is lower, when the motorized tube lifter 66 is lowered below the horizontal level of tubes on the tube stand, a tube can be rolled in position against the tube lift structure 62 When the tube lifter 66 goes upwards, then the tube, such as the tube 12A shown in Figure 5, is caught between the tube lifting structure 62 by the lifting surface 68 on the motorized tube lifter 66 and then it rises upwardly towards the channel 18. In a preferred embodiment, the tube lifter 66 comprises a rotating tube guide 70 which follows the track 72, to delicately guide the tube 12A on the rail 74 and into the channel 18. revolving guide 70, rail 74, and channel 18 are aligned to avoid any shock or shock to the tube. In reverse, the tube is discharged from the channel 18. Thus, in operation to move the tube from a tube platform to the platform of the equipment 16, the motorized tube lifter 66 is lowered, a tube is rolled against the structure for lifting of tube 62. The motorized tube lifter 66 moves the tube upwardly and rolls it delicately over channel 18 where it passes to rest in the bottom groove 20. The structure for elevation 30 then rises upwards, and channel 18 it slides externally with respect to the structure for elevation 30. To discharge the tubes, the reverse process occurs, except that the tube can be rolled out of the channel 18 by the hydraulic elevators 48 and 50 to either side of the channel 18, as shown in FIG. want. For example, the tube elevation structure 62 can be located on the opposite side of the channel 18 as shown.

The particular retention points for each moving element such as channel 18, motorized tube lifter 66, lifting structure 30, and the like, may be located by controls, software, and appropriate detectors and / or by mechanically movable brake means, as desired, such that it is not necessary to manually adjust the retention points for each operation cycle. It can be seen from the foregoing description that a new and improved system and method have been provided for collecting and placing the tube. Although very specific examples have been described and published, the invention of the present application is considered to be understood and intended to comprise any equivalent structure and can be constructed in many different ways to function and operate in the general manner as explained above. Accordingly, it is noted that the modality of the new and improved system and method for harvesting and placement described in the present document in detail for exemplary purposes is of course subject to many different variants in structure, design, application and methodology. Because many different variants and modalities can be made within the scope of the inventive concept (s) explained in this document, and because many modifications can be made in the embodiment detailed in this document in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the project, it should be understood that the details in this document are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (28)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A tube handling machine for moving a plurality of oilfield tubulars with respect to a rig of the equipment, said pipe handling machine comprising: an elongated mobile channel, said elongated mobile channel having a first side and a second side, said elongated mobile channel has a cross-sectional shape for receiving at least one tubular from the oil field between said first side and said second side; said elongated mobile channel is movable to and from a first position away from said equipment platform and a second position adjacent to said equipment platform; one or more motorized units for raising and lowering said elongated mobile channel towards and away from said equipment platform; and a tilting mechanism for tilting said elongated movable channel, said tilting mechanism being operable to tilt one side at a higher elevation than the other side.

2. The pipe handling machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that said tube handling machine is operable from a remote location.

3. The tube handling machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that the tilting mechanism is operable to tilt said elongated movable channel to thereby discharge a tubular from the oil field laterally from said elongated mobile channel.

4. The pipe handling machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that said tilting mechanism additionally comprises a first hydraulic elevator coupled to said first side.

5. The tube handling machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that said tilting mechanism additionally comprises a second hydraulic elevator dockable with said second side.

6. The pipe handling machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that said tilting mechanism is operable only when said elongated movable channel is in said first position away from said platform of the equipment.

7. The tube handling machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more structures for lifting the tube, each of said one or more structures for lifting the tube additionally comprising a motorized tube riser mounted movably to this, said motorized tube lifter is operable to raise and lower a tubular from the oil field to and from said elongated mobile channel.

8. The tube handling machine according to claim 7, further characterized in that said tilting mechanism is operable to tilt said elongated mobile channel to laterally discharge said tubular from the oil field from said elongated mobile channel to said motorized tube elevator. .

9. The pipe handling machine according to claim 7, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a platform, and a structure for lifting that is movably movable with respect to said platform, said one or more structures for raising the tube. they can be fixed to said platform.

10. The tube handling machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that it further comprises: a structure for lifting, said elongated movable channel is extensible and axially retractable with respect to said structure for elevation.

11. A tube handling machine for moving a plurality of oil field tubulars with respect to a platform of the equipment, the tube handling machine comprising: a structure for lifting; one or more motorized units for raising and lowering said structure for elevation with respect to said equipment platform; an elongated mobile channel supported by said lifting structure, said elongated mobile channel is extensible and axially retractable with respect to said lifting structure, said elongated mobile channel is internally molded to receive and support at least one of the tankers of the oil field; and one or more motorized units for axially extending and retracting said elongated movable channel with respect to said structure for elevation over an extension length.

12. The tube handling machine according to claim 11, further characterized in that said tubular oil field is movable towards and away from said platform of the equipment at said extension length with little or no axial sliding movement occurring between a tubular of the oil field transported by said elongated mobile channel and said elongated mobile channel while said elongated mobile channel operates to extend or retract in said extension length.

13. The tube handling machine according to claim 11, further characterized in that it comprises a platform, said lifting structure is movably rotatable with respect to said platform to rotate said structure for elevation in the direction of said platform of the equipment, the elongated mobile channel is axially extensible towards and away from said platform of the equipment once said structure for elevation is in a selected rotational position with respect to said platform.

14. The tube handling machine according to claim 11, further characterized in that it further comprises a channel leg member mounted on an end portion of the elongated movable channel for supporting one end of a tubular oil field positioned in said channel.

15. - The tube handling machine according to claim 14, further characterized in that said leg member of the channel is fixed in position with respect to said elongated mobile channel when said elongated mobile channel extends and retracts with respect to said structure for elevation .

16. The tube handling machine according to claim 14, further characterized in that said leg member of the channel is movably mounted and wherein said leg member of the channel is adjustable to place tubulars of variable length with respect to said elongated mobile channel.

17. The tube handling machine according to claim 11, further characterized in that it further comprises a tilting mechanism for tilting said elongated mobile channel, said elongated mobile channel has a first side and a second side, said tilting mechanism elevates one side at a higher elevation than the other side.

18. The tube handling machine according to claim 17, further characterized in that said tilting mechanism is operable to tilt said elongated movable channel so as to discharge a tubular from the oil field laterally from said elongated movable channel.

19. The tube handling machine according to claim 17, further characterized in that said tilting mechanism additionally comprises a first hydraulic elevator coupled with said first side.

20. The tube handling machine according to claim 19, further characterized in that said tilting mechanism additionally comprises a second hydraulic elevator engageable with said second side.

21. The tube handling machine according to claim 11, further characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more structures for raising the tube, each of said one or more structures for lifting the tube additionally comprising a motorized tube riser mounted movably to this, said motorized tube lifter is operable to raise and lower a tubular from the oil field to and from said elongated mobile channel.

22. The pipe handling machine according to claim 11, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a platform, said lifting structure is movably movable with respect to said platform, said one or more structures for raising the tube can be fixed to said platform.

23. A method for collecting or placing tubulars in the oil field with respect to a platform of the equipment, comprising the following steps in any order: placing at least one tubular of the oil field on an elongated channel; telescopically extending or retracting said elongated channel with respect to a support structure; and raising or lowering said support structure to effect said collection or placement of said tubular oil field.

24. The method according to claim 23, further characterized in that it further comprises tilting one side of said elongated channel with respect to an opposite side of said elongated channel.

25. The method according to claim 23, further characterized by additionally comprising mounting one or more structures for lifting to a position adjacent to said elongated channel when said elongated channel is retracted and lowered away from said platform of the equipment, and provide a movable motorized tube lifter on each of said one or more lifting structures for moving said tubular oilfields towards or away from said elongated channel. 26.- A pipe handling machine for moving a plurality of oil field tubulars with respect to a platform of the equipment, said pipe handling machine comprising: an elongated mobile channel; one or more motorized units for raising and lowering a structure for lifting with respect to said platform of the equipment between a first position closer to said platform of the equipment and a second position farther from said platform of the equipment with respect to said first position; one or more tube elevation structures fixed adjacent said second position; a motorized tube lifter movably mounted to each of said one or more or more tube lifting structures, said motorized tube lifter is operable to raise and lower a tubular of the oil field to and away from said elongated mobile channel; and a rotary member rotatably connected to said motorized tube lifter, said rotating member is operable to rotate to a guide position, to guide a tubular oil field to make it roll laterally on said elongated mobile channel when said motorized tube lifter is adjacent to said elongated mobile channel. 27. The tube handling machine according to claim 26, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a structure for elevation, said elongated movable channel is extensible and axially retractable with respect to said structure for elevation. 28. The tube handling machine according to claim 26, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a platform, said lifting structure is movably movable with respect to said platform, said one or more structures for raising the tube can be fix to that platform.