WO2023227704A1 - A drill string drive to impart rotational power to a top end of drill string for drilling of a wellbore - Google Patents

A drill string drive to impart rotational power to a top end of drill string for drilling of a wellbore Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023227704A1
WO2023227704A1 PCT/EP2023/064012 EP2023064012W WO2023227704A1 WO 2023227704 A1 WO2023227704 A1 WO 2023227704A1 EP 2023064012 W EP2023064012 W EP 2023064012W WO 2023227704 A1 WO2023227704 A1 WO 2023227704A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drive
drill string
swash plate
torsional vibrations
motor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/064012
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Arthur Alexander DE MUL
Original Assignee
Itrec B.V.
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 Itrec B.V. filed Critical Itrec B.V.
Publication of WO2023227704A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023227704A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B3/00—Rotary drilling
    • E21B3/02—Surface drives for rotary drilling
    • E21B3/022—Top drives

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the drilling of a wellbore, e.g. for drill hydrocarbon wells, geothermal wells, etc.
  • wellbore depth can exceed 500 metres, e.g. multiple kilometres.
  • top drive devices In the field, top drive devices are known that have one or more electric top drive motors, often electric motors with a variable frequency drive controller, e.g. digitally controlled. In order to reduce these undesirable torsional vibrations it is known to employ a so-called soft torque control system.
  • basically dedicated software is run on a computerized controller of the one or more electric top drive motors allowing to vary the speed of the one or more electric motors. For example, the relation between torque load on the top drive and the speed of the motors is actively controlled.
  • a top drive wherein multiple electric drive motors are connected via a transmission to a rotary torque output member of the top drive that is coupled to the top end of the drill string.
  • Each of the top drive motors has an operable clutch device configured to selectively connect and disconnect upon command the rotor relative to the transmission of the top drive.
  • a computerized electronic controller comprising a processor, and a program is executed by the processor so as to control the multiple electric top drive motors of the top drive device and to selectively control the clutch devices individually so as to selectively connect and disconnect the rotor of each top drive motor relative to the transmission by operating the respective clutch device and thereby varying and controlling said total inertial moment as a control parameter in order to reduce occurrence of drill string torsional vibration.
  • the present invention aims to provide an approach to counter torsional vibrations in the drill string that is highly effective and can be implemented in a compact and structurally attractive manner in a drill string drive.
  • a drill string drive is provided that is configured to impart rotational power to an upper end of drill string for drilling of a wellbore, which drill string drive comprises:
  • main drive motors preferably one or more hydraulic main drive motors
  • auxiliary hydraulic drive motor is a swash plate hydraulic motor having a variable swash plate angle
  • the drill string drive comprises a controller assembly for the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor, which controller is configured to receive data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string and to control the swash plate hydraulic motor so as to counter the torsional vibrations.
  • the invention is based on the insight that a swash plate hydraulic motor can effectively be controlled at an attractive frequency in view of the occurring torsional vibrations in a drill string. Also the inertia of such a hydraulic motor is relatively small, e.g. compared to an electric motor of the same maximum power, so that the inertia of the motor itself does not further exacerbate the problem.
  • the swash plate hydraulic motor itself is relatively compact and light as well compared to an electric motor, e.g. beneficial for integrating the motor in a top drive.
  • the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor and related hydraulic circuit may be embodied and controlled so that it provides at some point extra drive power in addition to the main drive motor(s) and at another point in time it acts as a power sink counter to the main drive motor(s).
  • the circuit may comprise an accumulator.
  • each main drive motor is embodied as a hydraulic motor.
  • These main drive hydraulic motor(s) have the advantage of a relatively low inertia compared to an electric main drive motor, which is beneficial in view of countering the torsional vibrations of the drill string.
  • These one of more main drive hydraulic motor(s) are also more compact that electric main drive motor(s) of the same maximum power output. The latter may be of relevance when the motors are integrated in a top drive.
  • each main drive motor is embodied as a swash plate type hydraulic motor, wherein the variable swash plate angle of the main drive motor is primarily controlled to adjust the torque.
  • the drill string drive has a single main drive motor, preferably a hydraulic main drive motor, and a single torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
  • the controller assembly is configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, e.g. at most 14 Hz. These fairly low frequencies can be implemented in the control of such hydraulic motors and are effective for reducing torsional drill string vibrations.
  • the controller assembly is configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor at a frequency of between 2 and 5 Hz, which is considered practical for effectively countering torsional vibrations in a drill string during drilling of a wellbore.
  • the one or more main drive motors are configured to provide at least 65% of a maximum power output of the drill string drive, e.g. between 75% and 85%, the remainder being provided by the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
  • the drive is configured and operated such that the one or more main drive motors deliver most of the torque required to drive the drill string and such that the speed of the drill string drive, and thus of the drill string, is primarily governed by the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
  • the transmission couples all drive motors, so that main drive motor(s) and the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor, to the rotary torque output member of the drill string drive that is configured to be coupled to the drill string.
  • the drill string drive device is a top drive. In another embodiment, the drill string drive is a rotary table.
  • the drill string drive device is a top drive, wherein the drive motors are configured to be fed via one or more hydraulic hoses from a main pump device that is located remote from the top drive.
  • the swash plate angle controller comprises a control cylinder controlled by a servo valve.
  • the circuit comprises an accumulator associated with the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
  • the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor is arranged in a constant pressure hydraulic circuit, possible the one or more main hydraulic drive motors being arranged in the same constant pressure hydraulic circuit.
  • the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor is arranged in an associated secondary-control circuit, e.g. embodied as a closed loop circuit.
  • the secondary-control circuit comprises a boost pump and boost pressure valve.
  • the invention also relates to a drilling system for drilling a wellbore, wherein the system comprises drill string drive as discussed herein and a monitoring system configured to provide data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string, wherein the monitoring system provides said data to the controller assembly for the swash plate angle for control of the swash plate hydraulic motor so as to counter the torsional vibrations.
  • the invention also relates to a method for drilling a wellbore, wherein use is made of a drill string drive as discussed herein.
  • the controller assembly controls the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, e.g. at most 14 Hz.
  • the controller assembly controls the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor at a frequency of between 2 and 5 Hz.
  • the one or more main drive motors provide at least 65% of a maximum power output of the drill string drive, e.g. between 75% and 85%, the remainder being provided by the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
  • the drill string drive comprises four drive motors, e.g. four hydraulic drive motors.
  • the four drive motors are coupled to a gearbox, which comprises of a single main gear.
  • the gearbox transmits the torque generated by the four drive motors to a quill, said quill is configured to transmit said torque to a rotary torque member which is configured to be coupled to the drill string.
  • the quill is section of a pipe, e.g. a drive shaft.
  • One of the four drive motors is a single torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor controlled by the controller assembly.
  • the controller assembly controls the swash plate angle of the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
  • an upper drill string drive portion and a lower drill string drive portion are connected to each other using a splined connection.
  • the splined connection making it possible to transfer a rotary movement of a part of the upper drill string drive portion to a part of the lower drill string drive portion.
  • two thrust bearings are used to support the axial loads acting on the drill string drive.
  • the drill string drive comprises an auxiliary gearbox which is arranged between the quill and the rotary torque output member.
  • the auxiliary gearbox is configured to change the output rotational speed of the drill string drive.
  • - fig. 1 shows a mobile land rig for drilling of wellbores
  • - fig. 2 shows the top drive of the land rig of figure 1 ,
  • FIG. 4 shows schematically an embodiment of a top drive according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows the mobile land 1 with a drilling tower 3 thereof in a working position and with a loader 17 thereof for drill string joints in a hand-off position thereof.
  • the mobile land rig 1 comprises a road vehicle, a trailer 4 in this figure, having a chassis 4 with a front end 5 and a rear end 6.
  • the chassis 4 of the road vehicle is an elongated chassis 4.
  • Stabilizers 7 are provided near the rear end 6 of the chassis to support the chassis 4 when the drilling tower 3 is in the working position, as depicted.
  • the stabilizers 7 are slidable connected to the chassis 4 to allow movement of the mobile land rig 1 relative to the wellbore, e.g. to slightly adjust the position of the mobile land rig 1 relative to the wellbore.
  • the drilling tower 3 is provided at the rear end 6 of the chassis 4 and is pivotally, e.g. by a hydraulic cylinder, relative to the road vehicle 2 between a substantial horizontal transport position and the vertical working position.
  • the mobile land rig 1 comprises a top drive system 8 comprising a traveling carriage 15 which is vertically mobile along the drilling tower 3 when in the working position by means of a motion drive.
  • the motion drive 9 is a rack and pinion drive 9 with hydraulic pinion drive motors which allows precise movement of the top drive system 8 along the drilling tower 3.
  • the carriage 15 supports a top drive 40 as will be discussed in more detail below, having a main drive motor and a rotary torque output member adapted to be engaged with a top end of a drilling tubular 13.
  • the motion drive 9 is adapted to cause motion of the top drive system 8 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drilling tower 1 in order to perform drilling and tripping operations.
  • the top drive 40 is pivotally supported by the traveling carriage 15 around a top drive pivot axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drilling tower 3.
  • the top drive 40 may be pivoted between a transfer position and a drilling position, when the drilling tower 3 is in the working position.
  • the top drive system 8 is provided with an actuator assembly adapted to cause said pivot motion of the top drive 40.
  • the top drive 40 is pivoted away from a drilling line 14 through a wellbore and is suspended in a transfer position above a drill string joint receiving line 20.
  • the mobile land rig 1 further comprises a drill floor 10 supported by the drilling tower 3 with a well center 11 positionable above a wellbore.
  • a slip device 12 adapted to suspend a drill string 20 in the wellbore is supported by the drill floor 10 and centered around the well center 11.
  • the drill floor 10 is supported by a motion drive allowing vertical motion of the drill floor 10. This allows repositioning of the drill floor 10 relative to the drilling tower 10 and the wellbore.
  • the drill floor 10 further comprises a slidable storage carrier 29 and mouse holes.
  • the drilling line 14 extends through the well center 11 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drilling tower 3.
  • a drill string 20 extends along the drilling line 14, e.g. from the slip device 12 into the wellbore.
  • FIGS 2 and 3 serve to illustrate the present invention, by way of an example.
  • the top drive 40 forms the drill string drive that is configured to impart rotational power to an upper end of drill string 20 for drilling of a wellbore.
  • the depicted top drive 40 (represented by a simple box in figure 3) has a single main drive motor 41, that is embodied as a hydraulic main drive motor.
  • the depicted top drive 40 has a single torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50.
  • a transmission e.g. a gear reducer transmission 60, couples the drive motors 41 , 50 to a rotary torque output member 45 that is configured to be coupled to the drill string.
  • the transmission has a fixed gear reduction ratio.
  • the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 is a swash plate hydraulic motor.
  • this motor 50 is integrated in a hydraulic circuit that here is embodied (by way of example only) as a constant pressure, secondary-control hydraulic circuit that further comprises a pump 55 that is driven by an electric motor 56.
  • Figure 3 further schematically shows a controller assembly 70 for the swash plate angle of the motor 50.
  • the assembly 70 is configured to receive data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string and to control the swash plate hydraulic motor 50 so as to counter the torsional vibrations.
  • the data is generated by a monitoring system 65 that is configured to provide data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string 20.
  • the monitoring system 65 provides said data to the controller assembly 70.
  • the swash plate angle controller assembly 70 comprises a control cylinder 71 that is controlled by a servo valve 72.
  • the servo valve 72 is controlled by a further part of the controller assembly 70 on the basis of data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations.
  • the secondary-control circuit is a closed loop circuit.
  • the secondary-control circuit comprises an accumulator 57.
  • the secondary-control circuit comprises a boost pump 58 and boost pressure valve 59.
  • the controller assembly 70 is configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, e.g. at most 14 Hz. As discussed, the controller assembly 70 is, preferably, configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 at a frequency of between 2 and 5 Hz.
  • the single main drive motor 41 is configured to provide at least 65% of a maximum power output of the drill string drive, e.g. between 75% and 85%, the remainder being provided by the single auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50.
  • the main drive motor 41 is configured to be fed via one or more hydraulic hoses 42 from a main pump 43 that is located remote from the top drive 40, e.g. on the chassis of the land rig.
  • the main pump is driven by an electric motor.
  • the hydraulic circuit may differ.
  • the swash plate hydraulic motor 50 could also be fed via the hoses 42 from the main pump, e.g. a single pair of hoses 42 being provided for all hydraulic motors of the top drive.
  • this arrangement provides for a constant pressure circuit for all hydraulic motors of the top drive.
  • Figure 4 shows a view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the drill string drive, e.g. top drive, has three main drive motors 41 and an auxiliary drive motor 50, only two of the drive motors are shown.
  • the four motors are all the same type of hydraulic motors, e.g. all a swash plate hydraulic motor having a swash plate with a variable swash plate angle.
  • the four drive motors 41, 50 are commonly coupled to a gearbox 90.
  • the gearbox comprises a single main gear 95 which meshes with a pinion driven by a respective hydraulic drive motor.
  • the gear 95 transmits the torque generated by the four drive motors 41,50 to a quill 46.
  • the quill is a shaft, e.g. a hollow shaft, possibly floating in vertical direction relative to the gearbox, which transmits the torque generated by the motors 41, 50 to the rotary torque output member 45 which is configured to be coupled to the drill string.
  • One of the four drive motors, here the motor 50 is a single torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 which is controlled by a controller assembly 70.
  • the controller assembly controls the swash plate angle of the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 as discussed herein.
  • one or more thrust bearings 80 are used to support the axial loads acting on the drill string drive 40.
  • an auxiliary gearbox 110 is releasably mounted between the quill 46 and the rotary torque output member 45 in order to have another rotary speed of member 45 than possible with the gearbox 90.
  • the gearbox 110 may be suspended from the top drive by bails 111 or the like as schematically shown.

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Abstract

A drill string drive, e.g. a top drive, configured to impart rotational power to an upper end of drill string for drilling of a wellbore. The drive comprises one or more main drive motors and a torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor. A transmission couples the drive motors to a rotary torque output member of the drill string drive that is configured to be coupled to the drill string. The auxiliary hydraulic drive motor is a swash plate hydraulic motor. A controller assembly for the swash plate angle is configured to receive data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string and to control the swash plate hydraulic motor so as to counter the torsional vibrations.

Description

P35755PC00
A DRILL STRING DRIVE TO IMPART ROTATIONAL POWER TO A TOP END OF DRILL STRING FOR DRILLING OF A WELLBORE.
The present invention relates to the drilling of a wellbore, e.g. for drill hydrocarbon wells, geothermal wells, etc. For example, wellbore depth can exceed 500 metres, e.g. multiple kilometres.
When drilling a wellbore, in particular of significant depth so involving the use of a lengthy drill string that makes the drill bit at the lower end of the drill string rotate, a well-known cause of loss of drilling efficiency and downtime due to equipment failure, e.g. drill bit failure, is the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string, e.g. induced by stick-slip while rotary drilling.
In the field, top drive devices are known that have one or more electric top drive motors, often electric motors with a variable frequency drive controller, e.g. digitally controlled. In order to reduce these undesirable torsional vibrations it is known to employ a so-called soft torque control system. Herein basically dedicated software is run on a computerized controller of the one or more electric top drive motors allowing to vary the speed of the one or more electric motors. For example, the relation between torque load on the top drive and the speed of the motors is actively controlled.
For example, reference is made to US9624762. Here the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string induced by stick-slip is discussed, as well as various strategies to counter this undesirable phenomenon.
In US10927657 a top drive is disclosed wherein multiple electric drive motors are connected via a transmission to a rotary torque output member of the top drive that is coupled to the top end of the drill string. Each of the top drive motors has an operable clutch device configured to selectively connect and disconnect upon command the rotor relative to the transmission of the top drive. Use is made of a computerized electronic controller comprising a processor, and a program is executed by the processor so as to control the multiple electric top drive motors of the top drive device and to selectively control the clutch devices individually so as to selectively connect and disconnect the rotor of each top drive motor relative to the transmission by operating the respective clutch device and thereby varying and controlling said total inertial moment as a control parameter in order to reduce occurrence of drill string torsional vibration.
The present invention aims to provide an approach to counter torsional vibrations in the drill string that is highly effective and can be implemented in a compact and structurally attractive manner in a drill string drive.
According to the invention a drill string drive is provided that is configured to impart rotational power to an upper end of drill string for drilling of a wellbore, which drill string drive comprises:
- one or more main drive motors, preferably one or more hydraulic main drive motors,
- a torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor,
- a transmission coupling the drive motors to a rotary torque output member of the drill string drive that is configured to be coupled to the drill string, wherein the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor is a swash plate hydraulic motor having a variable swash plate angle, wherein the drill string drive comprises a controller assembly for the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor, which controller is configured to receive data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string and to control the swash plate hydraulic motor so as to counter the torsional vibrations.
The invention is based on the insight that a swash plate hydraulic motor can effectively be controlled at an attractive frequency in view of the occurring torsional vibrations in a drill string. Also the inertia of such a hydraulic motor is relatively small, e.g. compared to an electric motor of the same maximum power, so that the inertia of the motor itself does not further exacerbate the problem. The swash plate hydraulic motor itself is relatively compact and light as well compared to an electric motor, e.g. beneficial for integrating the motor in a top drive.
It is noted that in the field of hydraulic drives, swash plate motors are often used in a secondary control circuit. Speed and torque of the swash plate hydraulic motor can be controlled highly dynamic and with high accuracy.
In practical embodiments, the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor and related hydraulic circuit may be embodied and controlled so that it provides at some point extra drive power in addition to the main drive motor(s) and at another point in time it acts as a power sink counter to the main drive motor(s). For example, the circuit may comprise an accumulator.
In an advantageous embodiment, each main drive motor is embodied as a hydraulic motor. These main drive hydraulic motor(s) have the advantage of a relatively low inertia compared to an electric main drive motor, which is beneficial in view of countering the torsional vibrations of the drill string. These one of more main drive hydraulic motor(s) are also more compact that electric main drive motor(s) of the same maximum power output. The latter may be of relevance when the motors are integrated in a top drive. For example, each main drive motor is embodied as a swash plate type hydraulic motor, wherein the variable swash plate angle of the main drive motor is primarily controlled to adjust the torque.
In embodiments, the drill string drive has a single main drive motor, preferably a hydraulic main drive motor, and a single torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
In an embodiment, the controller assembly is configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, e.g. at most 14 Hz. These fairly low frequencies can be implemented in the control of such hydraulic motors and are effective for reducing torsional drill string vibrations.
In an embodiment, the controller assembly is configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor at a frequency of between 2 and 5 Hz, which is considered practical for effectively countering torsional vibrations in a drill string during drilling of a wellbore.
In an embodiment, the one or more main drive motors are configured to provide at least 65% of a maximum power output of the drill string drive, e.g. between 75% and 85%, the remainder being provided by the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor. Preferable, there is a single main drive motor and a single auxiliary hydraulic drive motor. In embodiments, the drive is configured and operated such that the one or more main drive motors deliver most of the torque required to drive the drill string and such that the speed of the drill string drive, and thus of the drill string, is primarily governed by the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
The transmission couples all drive motors, so that main drive motor(s) and the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor, to the rotary torque output member of the drill string drive that is configured to be coupled to the drill string.
In an embodiment, the drill string drive device is a top drive. In another embodiment, the drill string drive is a rotary table.
In an embodiment, the drill string drive device is a top drive, wherein the drive motors are configured to be fed via one or more hydraulic hoses from a main pump device that is located remote from the top drive.
In embodiments, as known in the art, the swash plate angle controller comprises a control cylinder controlled by a servo valve.
In an embodiment, the circuit comprises an accumulator associated with the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
In an embodiment, the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor is arranged in a constant pressure hydraulic circuit, possible the one or more main hydraulic drive motors being arranged in the same constant pressure hydraulic circuit.
In an embodiment, the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor is arranged in an associated secondary-control circuit, e.g. embodied as a closed loop circuit.
In an embodiment, the secondary-control circuit comprises a boost pump and boost pressure valve.
The invention also relates to a drilling system for drilling a wellbore, wherein the system comprises drill string drive as discussed herein and a monitoring system configured to provide data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string, wherein the monitoring system provides said data to the controller assembly for the swash plate angle for control of the swash plate hydraulic motor so as to counter the torsional vibrations. The invention also relates to a method for drilling a wellbore, wherein use is made of a drill string drive as discussed herein.
In an embodiment, the controller assembly controls the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, e.g. at most 14 Hz.
In an embodiment, the controller assembly controls the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor at a frequency of between 2 and 5 Hz.
In an embodiment, the one or more main drive motors provide at least 65% of a maximum power output of the drill string drive, e.g. between 75% and 85%, the remainder being provided by the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
In an embodiment the drill string drive comprises four drive motors, e.g. four hydraulic drive motors. The four drive motors are coupled to a gearbox, which comprises of a single main gear. The gearbox transmits the torque generated by the four drive motors to a quill, said quill is configured to transmit said torque to a rotary torque member which is configured to be coupled to the drill string. Preferably, the quill is section of a pipe, e.g. a drive shaft.
One of the four drive motors is a single torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor controlled by the controller assembly. The controller assembly controls the swash plate angle of the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor.
In an embodiment an upper drill string drive portion and a lower drill string drive portion are connected to each other using a splined connection. The splined connection making it possible to transfer a rotary movement of a part of the upper drill string drive portion to a part of the lower drill string drive portion.
In an embodiment two thrust bearings are used to support the axial loads acting on the drill string drive.
In the embodiment, the drill string drive comprises an auxiliary gearbox which is arranged between the quill and the rotary torque output member. The auxiliary gearbox is configured to change the output rotational speed of the drill string drive. The invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:
- fig. 1 shows a mobile land rig for drilling of wellbores,
- fig. 2 shows the top drive of the land rig of figure 1 ,
- fig. 3 illustrates schematically the top drive of figure 2,
- fig. 4 shows schematically an embodiment of a top drive according to the invention.
Figure 1 shows the mobile land 1 with a drilling tower 3 thereof in a working position and with a loader 17 thereof for drill string joints in a hand-off position thereof.
The mobile land rig 1 comprises a road vehicle, a trailer 4 in this figure, having a chassis 4 with a front end 5 and a rear end 6. The chassis 4 of the road vehicle is an elongated chassis 4.
Stabilizers 7 are provided near the rear end 6 of the chassis to support the chassis 4 when the drilling tower 3 is in the working position, as depicted. In embodiments, the stabilizers 7 are slidable connected to the chassis 4 to allow movement of the mobile land rig 1 relative to the wellbore, e.g. to slightly adjust the position of the mobile land rig 1 relative to the wellbore.
The drilling tower 3 is provided at the rear end 6 of the chassis 4 and is pivotally, e.g. by a hydraulic cylinder, relative to the road vehicle 2 between a substantial horizontal transport position and the vertical working position.
The mobile land rig 1 comprises a top drive system 8 comprising a traveling carriage 15 which is vertically mobile along the drilling tower 3 when in the working position by means of a motion drive. In this figure the motion drive 9 is a rack and pinion drive 9 with hydraulic pinion drive motors which allows precise movement of the top drive system 8 along the drilling tower 3.
The carriage 15 supports a top drive 40 as will be discussed in more detail below, having a main drive motor and a rotary torque output member adapted to be engaged with a top end of a drilling tubular 13.
The motion drive 9 is adapted to cause motion of the top drive system 8 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drilling tower 1 in order to perform drilling and tripping operations. The top drive 40 is pivotally supported by the traveling carriage 15 around a top drive pivot axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drilling tower 3. The top drive 40 may be pivoted between a transfer position and a drilling position, when the drilling tower 3 is in the working position. The top drive system 8 is provided with an actuator assembly adapted to cause said pivot motion of the top drive 40. In this figure the top drive 40 is pivoted away from a drilling line 14 through a wellbore and is suspended in a transfer position above a drill string joint receiving line 20.
The mobile land rig 1 further comprises a drill floor 10 supported by the drilling tower 3 with a well center 11 positionable above a wellbore.
A slip device 12 adapted to suspend a drill string 20 in the wellbore is supported by the drill floor 10 and centered around the well center 11.
In embodiments, as shown, the drill floor 10 is supported by a motion drive allowing vertical motion of the drill floor 10. This allows repositioning of the drill floor 10 relative to the drilling tower 10 and the wellbore.
The drill floor 10 further comprises a slidable storage carrier 29 and mouse holes.
The drilling line 14 extends through the well center 11 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drilling tower 3. In operations a drill string 20 extends along the drilling line 14, e.g. from the slip device 12 into the wellbore.
Figures 2 and 3 serve to illustrate the present invention, by way of an example.
The top drive 40 forms the drill string drive that is configured to impart rotational power to an upper end of drill string 20 for drilling of a wellbore.
The depicted top drive 40 (represented by a simple box in figure 3) has a single main drive motor 41, that is embodied as a hydraulic main drive motor.
The depicted top drive 40 has a single torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50. A transmission, e.g. a gear reducer transmission 60, couples the drive motors 41 , 50 to a rotary torque output member 45 that is configured to be coupled to the drill string. In practical embodiments, the transmission has a fixed gear reduction ratio.
The auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 is a swash plate hydraulic motor.
As shown schematically in figure 3, this motor 50 is integrated in a hydraulic circuit that here is embodied (by way of example only) as a constant pressure, secondary-control hydraulic circuit that further comprises a pump 55 that is driven by an electric motor 56.
Figure 3 further schematically shows a controller assembly 70 for the swash plate angle of the motor 50.
The assembly 70 is configured to receive data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string and to control the swash plate hydraulic motor 50 so as to counter the torsional vibrations. The data is generated by a monitoring system 65 that is configured to provide data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string 20. The monitoring system 65 provides said data to the controller assembly 70.
By way of example, as known in the art, the swash plate angle controller assembly 70 comprises a control cylinder 71 that is controlled by a servo valve 72. The servo valve 72 is controlled by a further part of the controller assembly 70 on the basis of data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations.
By way of example, the secondary-control circuit is a closed loop circuit.
By way of example, the secondary-control circuit comprises an accumulator 57.
By way of example, the secondary-control circuit comprises a boost pump 58 and boost pressure valve 59.
As discussed, the controller assembly 70 is configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, e.g. at most 14 Hz. As discussed, the controller assembly 70 is, preferably, configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 at a frequency of between 2 and 5 Hz.
The single main drive motor 41 is configured to provide at least 65% of a maximum power output of the drill string drive, e.g. between 75% and 85%, the remainder being provided by the single auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50.
It is shown in figure 3, by way of example, that the main drive motor 41 is configured to be fed via one or more hydraulic hoses 42 from a main pump 43 that is located remote from the top drive 40, e.g. on the chassis of the land rig. For example, the main pump is driven by an electric motor.
It is shown in figure 3 that the swash plate hydraulic motor 50 in the secondary-control hydraulic circuit including the pump 55 driven by the electric motor 56 are mounted on the top drive 40. This allows for a small secondary-control circuit, which enhances its responsiveness and accuracy.
In other embodiments the hydraulic circuit may differ. For example, the swash plate hydraulic motor 50 could also be fed via the hoses 42 from the main pump, e.g. a single pair of hoses 42 being provided for all hydraulic motors of the top drive. For example, this arrangement provides for a constant pressure circuit for all hydraulic motors of the top drive.
Figure 4 shows a view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the drill string drive, e.g. top drive, has three main drive motors 41 and an auxiliary drive motor 50, only two of the drive motors are shown. Preferably, the four motors are all the same type of hydraulic motors, e.g. all a swash plate hydraulic motor having a swash plate with a variable swash plate angle.
By way of example, the four drive motors 41, 50 are commonly coupled to a gearbox 90.
The gearbox comprises a single main gear 95 which meshes with a pinion driven by a respective hydraulic drive motor. The gear 95 transmits the torque generated by the four drive motors 41,50 to a quill 46. Preferably, the quill is a shaft, e.g. a hollow shaft, possibly floating in vertical direction relative to the gearbox, which transmits the torque generated by the motors 41, 50 to the rotary torque output member 45 which is configured to be coupled to the drill string. One of the four drive motors, here the motor 50, is a single torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 which is controlled by a controller assembly 70. The controller assembly controls the swash plate angle of the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor 50 as discussed herein.
By way of example, one or more thrust bearings 80 are used to support the axial loads acting on the drill string drive 40.
Possibly, as shown, an auxiliary gearbox 110 is releasably mounted between the quill 46 and the rotary torque output member 45 in order to have another rotary speed of member 45 than possible with the gearbox 90.
The gearbox 110 may be suspended from the top drive by bails 111 or the like as schematically shown.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. Drill string drive (40), e.g. a top drive, configured to impart rotational power to an upper end of a drill string (20) for drilling of a wellbore, which drill string drive comprises:
- one or more main drive motors (41), preferably one or more hydraulic main drive motors,
- a torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50),
- a transmission coupling (60) the drive motors (41,50) to a rotary torque output member (45) of the drill string drive that is configured to be coupled to the drill string, wherein the auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50) is a swash plate hydraulic motor having a swash plate with a variable swash plate angle, wherein the drill string drive comprises a controller assembly (70) for the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50), which controller is configured to receive data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string (20) and to control the swash plate hydraulic motor so as to counter the torsional vibrations.
2. Drill string drive according to claim 1, wherein the controller assembly (70) is configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50) at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, e.g. at most 14 Hz.
3. Drill string drive according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller assembly (70) is configured to control the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50) at a frequency of between 2 and 5 Hz.
4. Drill string drive according to any one or more of claims 1 - 3, wherein the one or more main drive motors (41) are hydraulic motors.
5. Drill string drive according to any one or more of claims 1 - 4, wherein the one or more main drive motors (41) are configured to provide at least 65% of a maximum power output of the drill string drive (40), e.g. between 75% and 85%, the remainder being provided by the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50).
6. Drill string drive according to any one or more of claims 1 - 5, wherein the drill string drive device is a top drive.
7. Drill string drive according to claim 6, wherein the one or more main drive motors (41) and the swash plate hydraulic motor (50) are configured to be fed via one or more hydraulic hoses (42) from a main pump device (43) that is located remote from the top drive (40).
8. Drilling system for drilling a wellbore, wherein the system comprises drill string drive (40) according to any one or more of claims 1 - 7 and a monitoring system (65) configured to provide data related to the occurrence of torsional vibrations in the drill string (20), wherein the monitoring system provides said data to the controller assembly (70) for the swash plate angle for control of the swash plate hydraulic motor (50) so as to counter the torsional vibrations.
9. Method for drilling a wellbore, wherein use is made of a drill string drive (40) according to any one or more of the claims 1 - 7 or a drilling system according to claim 8.
10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the controller assembly (70) controls the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50) at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, e.g. at most 14 Hz.
11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the controller assembly controls (70) the swash plate angle of the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50) at a frequency of between 2 and 5 Hz.
12. Method according to any one or more of claims 9 - 11, wherein the one or more main drive motors (41) provide at least 65% of a maximum power output of the drill string drive (40), e.g. between 75% and 85%, the remainder being provided by the torsional vibrations reducing auxiliary hydraulic drive motor (50).
PCT/EP2023/064012 2022-05-27 2023-05-25 A drill string drive to impart rotational power to a top end of drill string for drilling of a wellbore WO2023227704A1 (en)

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NL2032006A NL2032006B1 (en) 2022-05-27 2022-05-27 A drill string drive to impart rotational power to a top end of drill string for drilling of a wellbore
NL2032006 2022-05-27

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2266248A1 (en) * 1999-03-22 2000-09-22 Kenneth C. Jensen Method and apparatus for controlling drill string torsional vibration
US20060000643A1 (en) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-05 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Top drive torsional baffle apparatus and method
US9624762B2 (en) 2012-01-24 2017-04-18 National Oilwell Varco Norway As System and method for reducing drillstring oscillations
US20190284924A1 (en) * 2016-12-09 2019-09-19 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Downhole drilling methods and systems with top drive motor torque commands based on a dynamics model
US10927657B2 (en) 2016-06-15 2021-02-23 Itrec B.V. Wellbore drilling with a top drive device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2266248A1 (en) * 1999-03-22 2000-09-22 Kenneth C. Jensen Method and apparatus for controlling drill string torsional vibration
US20060000643A1 (en) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-05 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Top drive torsional baffle apparatus and method
US9624762B2 (en) 2012-01-24 2017-04-18 National Oilwell Varco Norway As System and method for reducing drillstring oscillations
US10927657B2 (en) 2016-06-15 2021-02-23 Itrec B.V. Wellbore drilling with a top drive device
US20190284924A1 (en) * 2016-12-09 2019-09-19 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Downhole drilling methods and systems with top drive motor torque commands based on a dynamics model

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