SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HANDLING AND STORING PIPE

Abstract

Modular storage units for handling and storing tubulars in vertical columns, methods for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns, and systems for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns are provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority and the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/138,438 filed on Dec. 17, 2008, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HANDLING AND STORING PIPE”, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to a system for handling and storing of tubulars in vertical columns for use in drilling for oil and natural gas.

BACKGROUND

Current drilling technology requires the transportation, loading, and unloading of pipe segments. The current methods of loading and unloading pipe segments occupy much needed time. A need exists for a way to load and unload pipe segments in a way that is timely, convenient, and efficient.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a system for the handling and storing of tubulars in one or more modular storage units.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an illustrative modular storage unit for the handling and storing of tubulars.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative guide frame

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of an illustrative scissor assembly.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an illustrated cantilevered beam conveyor frame.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of an illustrative conveyor usable with one or more embodiments of the system for handling and storing tubulars.

FIG. 7 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative conveyor support usable with one or more embodiments of the system for handling and storing tubulars.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of an illustrative conveyor assembly usable with one or more embodiments of the system for handling and storing tubulars.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative frame usable with one or more embodiments of the system for handling and storing tubulars.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present system in detail, it is to be understood that the system is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments relate to a system for handling and storing of tubulars in vertical columns with a modular storage unit.

The modular storage unit can include a frame. The frame can have at least four sides.

A guide frame can be removably secured to the bottom or sides of the frame. The guide frame can have two or more guide fingers. The guide fingers can have a first end connected to a mounting plate and a second end connected to a horizontal bar. In one or more embodiments, the guide fingers can be solid, hollow, or partially solid. The shape of the guide fingers can be cylindrical, square, or a similar shape. For example, the guide fingers can be hollow rectangular tubes.

A scissor assembly can be removably secured to the bottom of the frame adjacent the guide frame.

The scissor assembly can have a first or inner arm and a second or outer arm. The inner arm can be pivotably connected to the outer arm. The inner arm can be connected to an upper beam by a pin or other fastening means, such as a screw or clip.

The upper beam can be connected with the outer arm by an upper roller assembly. The upper roller assembly can include an upper roller support and an upper roller. The upper roller support can be connected to the upper beam. The upper roller can be operatively disposed within the upper roller support. The upper roller can also be connected to the outer arm by a pin or other connection device. For example, a pin can be secured to the upper roller and disposed within a hole formed into the outer arm.

The scissor assembly can also include a lower fixed support. The outer arm can be fixed to the lower fixed support by a pin or other fastening means.

The inner arm can be connected to the lower fixed support an actuator. For example, the outer arm can be attached to a first end of the actuator by a clevis and the second end of the actuator can be connected to the lower fixed support. hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The actuator can be a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

A second or lower roller can be connected to the outer arm and the actuator. The lower roller can be disposed within a lower roller support that is fixed to the fixed support frame.

The modular storage unit can have a first conveyor assembly connected with the frame. The first conveyor assembly can include one or more conveyors. The first conveyor assembly can be a tub feed conveyor. The first conveyor assembly can be operatively aligned with one or more scissor assemblies.

A second conveyor assembly can connected the frame adjacent the first conveyor assembly and operatively aligned with the scissor assembly. The second conveyor assembly can include one or more conveyors. At least a first portion of the second conveyor assembly can be adjacent to and above the guide frame. The second conveyor can be used as a by-pass conveyor.

An elevator can be in selective communication with the first conveyor assembly and/or the second conveyor assembly. The elevator can be removably connected to a support structure adjacent to the modular storage unit.

A ramp conveyor can be in selective communication with the elevator. The ramp conveyor can synchronously operate or perform with elevator.

The systems disclosed herein can be used with a method for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns. The method can include receiving a tubular and disposing it on a ramp conveyor or the second conveyor assembly. The tubular can be transported with the ramp conveyor or the second conveyor assembly to an elevator. The tubular can travel from the second conveyor assembly or the ramp conveyor to the elevator, and the elevator can be used to lower the tubular to a second position. For example, the second position can be adjacent a top portion of a wall of the frame.

The method can further include forming a rolling path by raising one or more of the scissor assemblies. After the rolling path is formed the tubular can be rolled onto the rolling path from the elevator. The first conveyor assembly can be used to roll the tubular along the rolling path to a first available slot. The first available slot can be formed by lowering one or more scissor assemblies. When the tubular is located in the first available slot, the tubular can be stored in a vertical column for transport using the modular storage unit.

If by-pass of the storage unit is desired, the ramp conveyor can transfer the tubular to the elevator, and the elevator can stay in the first position and the tubular can be rolled onto the second conveyor assembly. The second conveyor assembly can transport the tubular to a desired position by-passing over the top of the modular storage unit.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a system for the handling and storing of one or more tubulars 8 in one or more modular storage units 10 and 11. The system can include to modular storage units 10 and 11. The modular storage units 10 and 11 can be used to store tubulars 8 in vertical columns. The modular storage units 10 and 11 can be mounted to a vehicle frame 144. The vehicle frame 144 can be supported by a plurality of axles 146 with tires 148. The number of axles 146 on the vehicle frame can range from about 2 to about 10. The number of tires 148 on the vehicle can range from about 8 to about 40. The vehicle frame 144 can support loads ranging from about 100,000 pounds to about 1,500,000 pounds. Structure, shown on the modular storage unit 11, has been removed from modular storage unit 10 for clarity.

The modular storage unit 10 can be in communication with an elevator 242. The elevator 242 can be connected to the vehicle frame 144, as depicted, or can be connected to an adjacent structure that is at least partially connected to the modular storage unit 10.

In one or more embodiments, the elevator 242 can be in communication with a ramp conveyor 244 and/or one or more portions of the modular storage unit 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the modular storage unit 10 is described in more detail. For clarity, the individual parts of the modular storage units will be described with reference to the modular storage unit 10. The modular storage unit 11 can be substantially similar to the modular storage unit 10.

The modular storage unit 10 can have one or more guide frames 201. The guide frames 201 can be removably secured to the bottom or sides of the modular storage unit 10. For example, the guide frames 201 can be removably secured to the bottom the modular storage unit 10. The modular storage unit 10 can also have one or more lower support assemblies 240. The lower support assemblies can be removably secured to the bottom of the modular storage unit 10.

One or more scissor assemblies 206 can be removably secured to the lower support assemblies 240. The number of scissor assemblies 206 in the modular storage unit 10 can range from about 2 to about 124. Each scissor assembly 206 can support a load ranging from about 1,000 pounds to about 100,000 pounds. The scissor assembly can be secured to a lower support assemblies 240.

The modular storage unit 10 can also include one or more first conveyor assemblies or tub feed conveyor assemblies 203. The first conveyor assembly 203 can include one or more cantilever beam conveyors that can be removably connected the sides of the frame 914 or 919. The first conveyor assembly 203 can be operatively aligned with the scissor assemblies 206.

A second conveyor assembly or by-pass conveyor assembly 202 can be disposed adjacent the first conveyor assembly 203. The second conveyor assembly 202 can have at least a first portion adjacent to and above the guide frames 201. The second conveyor assembly 202 can include one or more conveyors.

In one or more embodiments, the conveyor assemblies 202, 203 can have one or more conveyors. The conveyors of the first conveyor assembly 203 can be have a belt or chain 210 configured to move clockwise and anti-clockwise, and the conveyors of the second conveyor assembly 202 can have a chain or belt 211 configured to move clockwise and anti-clockwise.

The modular storage unit 10 can also include or be in communication with an elevator 242. in selective communication with the second conveyor assembly 202. The elevator 242 can be connected to an adjacent structure. The adjacent structure can be supplied by a user or preinstalled on at least one or more of the modular storage units 10, 11. For example, the adjacent structure can be the trailer 144, as depicted in FIG. 1. In one or more embodiments, the adjacent structure can be at least partially connected to the side of one or more of the modular storage units 10, 11. The elevator 242 can deliver one or more tubulars to the second conveyor 202. In one or more embodiments, a portion of the elevator 242 can be tilted. For example, a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) or other actuator can be used to tilt portions of the elevator 242 to allow a tubular to roll off the elevator 242.

The ramp conveyor 244 can be located adjacent to the elevator 242. The ramp conveyor 244 can be in selective communication with the elevator 242.

In operation, a tubular can be provided to or placed on the ramp conveyor 244. The ramp conveyor 244 can transport the tubular to the elevator 242.

After the tubular is disposed on the elevator 242, the tubular can be rolled onto the second conveyor assembly 202, for example by tilting a portion of the elevator 242. Once the tubular is disposed on the second conveyor assembly 202, the tubular can be transported over the top of the modular storage unit 10.

If storage of the tubular is desired, the elevator 244 can be lowered once a tubular is disposed thereon by the ramp conveyor 244. The elevator 242 can be lowered or moved to a second position and can be tilted or otherwise roll the tubular onto an upper portion of the scissor assemblies 206. One or more of the scissor assemblies 206 can be lowered forming a slot for storing the tubulars. For example, the scissor assembly 206 furthest from the elevator can be lowered first and one or more tubular can be transported to the slot created by the lowered scissor assembly 206. The tubular can be transported to the slot by the first conveyor assembly 203. For example, the tubular can be rolled by at least a portion of the first conveyor assembly 203, on a rolling surface formed by a segment, such as a boss, on top of the non-lowered scissor assemblies 206 until the slot created by the lowered scissor assembly 206 is reached.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of a guide frame 201. In one or more embodiments, the guide frame 201 can include a horizontal bar 324, one or more fingers (two are shown 328 and 326), and a mounting plate 336.

The fingers 326 and 328 can be secured to the mounting plate 336, for example by welding, bolting, or other forms of mechanical fastening, at a first end. The fingers 326 and 328 can be secured at the second end to the horizontal bar 324. The fingers 326 and 328 can be secured at the second end to the horizontal bar 324 by welding, bolting, or other mechanical means.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of a scissor assembly 442. The illustrative scissor assembly 442 can include an upper beam 443, an upper roller assembly 444, an upper fixed support 454, a fixed support hole 455, a first pin 458, a fixed support pivot 453, a center pivot 452, a second pin 466, a bearing 467, an inner arm 450, an outer arm 448, an lower roller assembly 460, an actuator 465, a lower roller support 462, a lower fixed support frame 461, a lower fixed support 463.

The upper beam 443 can be connected to or secured an upper or first portion of the outer arm 448. In one or more embodiments, the upper beam 443 can be secured to a portion of the upper roller assembly 444 and the outer arm 448 can be secured to a second portion of the upper roller assembly 444. As such, a portion of the outer arm 448 is connected with the upper beam 443 by the upper roller assembly 444.

In one or more embodiments, the upper roller assembly 444 can include an upper roller 448, a third pin 445, and an upper roller support 446. The upper roller support 446 can be connected to the upper beam 443. The upper roller support 446 can be configured to secure to the upper roller 448. The upper roller 448 can travel parallel to the upper beam 443 within the upper roller support 446.

The upper roller 448 can also be secured to the third pin 445. The third pin 445 can be disposed in a first upper hole 449 formed through at least a portion of the upper portion of the outer arm 448. The third pin 445 can be secured within the first upper hole by a nut, rivet, or other mechanical device.

The upper roller assembly 444 can secure the upper beam 443 to the outer arm 448. For example, the third pin 445 can be connected at a first end to the upper roller 448, and a second of the third pin 445 can extend through the hole 449 and engage a cap or fastener configured to form a secure fit with the second end of the third pin 445.

The upper fixed support 454 can be secured or formed into the upper beam 443. The upper fixed support 454 can be a captured pin or a fixed bearing. The upper fixed support 454 can have a fixed support hole 455 formed therethrough for receiving the first pin 458. The first pin 458 can be disposed through an upper portion of the inner arm 450. For example a first or inner end of the first pin 458 can be at least partially disposed through the fixed support pivot 453, and an outer or second end of the first pin 458 can be at least partially disposed through the fixed support hole 455. A cap can be disposed on the first end of the first pin 458 securing the first pin 458 within the fixed support hole 455, and another cap can be disposed on the second end of the first pin 458 securing the first pin 458 to the upper portion of the inner arm 450.

The inner arm 450 and the outer arm 448 can be pivotably connected together by the center pivot 452. The center pivot 452 can be a pin or other mechanical fastener configured to extend at least partially through a hole formed through the outer arm 448 and at least partially into a hole formed through the inner arm 450. The center pivot 452 can be sized to form a pressure fit within the holes formed through the arm 450 and 448. In one or more embodiments, one or more mechanical means can be used to secured the center pivot 452 within the holes formed through the arm 450 and 448.

A lower or second portion of the outer arm 448 can be secured to lower fixed support frame 461. The lower second portion of the outer arm 448 can be pivotably secured to the lower fixed support frame 461. For example, an inner or first end of the second pin 466 can be at least partially inserted through a lower hole 449 formed into the lower portion of the outer arm 448, and an outer or second end of the pin 466 can be at least partially inserted through a portion of the lower fixed support hole 463. The bearing 467 can be disposed about the second pin 466, and can be located on the second pin 466 such that the bearing 467 provides for a low friction portion of the second pin 466 for the lower portion of the outer arm 448 to rotate about.

The lower roller assembly 460 can include the lower roller support 462, a lower roller 465, and a fourth pin 459. The lower roller support 462 can be secured to the fixed support frame 461 and can be configured to secure to the lower roller 465. The lower roller 465 can move within the lower roller support 465. For example, the lower roller 465 can move parallel to the fixed support frame 461.

The fourth pin 459 can connect the lower roller 465 to a lower or second portion of the inner arm 450. For example, an inner end or first end of the fourth pin 459 can be at least partially inserted into a lower hole 457 formed into the lower portion of the inner arm 450. A portion of the fourth pin 465 can be secured within the lower hole 457. For example, a portion of the fourth pin 465 can be secured within the lower hole 457 by a mechanical fastener or by a pressure fit. An outer or second end of the fourth pin 459 can be secured to the lower roller 465.

The actuator 465 can also be secured to the lower portion of the inner arm 450. For example, the actuator 465 can be secured to the lower portion of the inner arm by a clevis 466 and a fifth pin 467. The clevis 466 can be located on a first end of the actuator 465, and the second end of the actuator 465 can be secured to the fixed support frame 461. The actuator 465 can be any actuator, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a cantilevered beam conveyor frame 568. The cantilevered beam conveyor frame 568 can be used to make one or more conveyors of the first conveyor assembly 203 or the second conveyor frame 202 (depicted in FIG. 2).

The cantilevered beam conveyor frame 568 can be secured to a conveyor support 570. For example, a gusset 580 can be used to secure the cantilevered beam conveyor frame 568 to one or more supports 578 and 579. The supports 578 and 579 can be fixed to a base plate 572.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a conveyor 690 usable with one or more embodiments of the system for handling and storing tubulars. The conveyor 690 can include a conveyor frame 692. A chain 618, such as a mill chain, can be movably secured to the conveyor frame 692. One or more tensioners (two are shown 602 and 600) can be secured to a first portion of the conveyor frame 692. The tensioners 602 and 600 can hold a sprocket 604 which can be used to drive or control the movement of the chain 618. A first shaft 606 can be at least partially inserted through the tensioners 602 and 600 and can secure the sprocket 604 in place.

One or more bearings 612 and 610 can be secured to a second portion of the conveyor frame 692. A sprocket 616 can be disposed between the bearing 612 and 610, and a shaft 614 can be inserted at least partially through the bearing 612 and 610 and the sprocket 616. The shaft 614 can hold the sprocket 616 in place. In on or more embodiments, the shaft can be coupled to or in communication with a motor (not shown). The motor can rotate the shaft 614, and the shaft 614 can rotate or drive the sprocket 616. As such, the sprocket 616 can drive the chain 618.

The chain 618 can have one or more arms or dogs 622 secured thereto. The dogs 622 can be used to engage tubulars and move the tubulars as the chain 618 is driven.

FIG. 7 depicts an isometric view of a conveyor support 794. The conveyor support 794 can be secured to one or more of the conveyor frames 692 (shown in FIG. 2). The conveyor support 794 can include a base plate 740. The base plate 740 can have one or more mounting holes (two are shown 742a and 742b). One or more support arms (two are shown 138a and 138b) can extend from the base plate 140. A conveyor frame, such as conveyor frame 692, can be disposed between the supports.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of an illustrative conveyor assembly 800 usable with the system for the handling and storing of tubulars. The conveyor assembly 800 can include one or more conveyors (five are shown 810, 812, 814, 816, and 820). One or more of the conveyors 810, 812, 814, 816, and 820 can have the cantilevered beam conveyor frame 568 or the conveyor frame 692. The conveyors 810, 812, 814, 816, and 820 can be similar to the conveyer 690 depicted in FIG. 6.

The conveyors 810 can have a support 822 connected to a portion thereof. The conveyor 812 can have a support 824 connected to a portion thereof. The conveyor 814 can have a support 826 connected to a portion thereof. The conveyor 816 can have a support 828 connected to a portion thereof. The conveyor 820 can have a support 830 connected to a portion thereof.

The conveyors 810 can have a chain 840 connected thereto. The conveyor 812 can have a chain 842 connected thereto. The conveyor 814 can have a chain 844 connected thereto. The conveyor 816 can have a chain 846 connected thereto. The conveyor 820 can have a chain 848 connected thereto. The chain can be similar to the chain 618 depicted in FIG. 5. Accordingly, each chain 840, 842, 844, 846, and 848 can have a dog 622 connected thereto.

The conveyors 810, 812, 814, 816, and 820 can have one or more shafts, such as shaft 614 depicted in FIG. 6, coupled together. The shaft of a first conveyor 810 can be connected to a first coupler 880. The first coupler 880 can also be connected to a first end of a first assembly shaft 860. A second end of the first assembly shaft 860 can be connected to a second coupler 882. The second coupler 882 can be coupled to a shaft of a second conveyor 812. The shaft of the second conveyor 812 can be connected to a third coupler 884. The third coupler 884 can be connected to a first end of a second assembly shaft 862. A second end of the assembly shaft 862 can be connected to a fourth coupler 886. The fourth coupler 886 can also be connected to a shaft of a third conveyor 814. The shaft of the third conveyor 814 can be connected to a fifth coupler 888. The fifth coupler 888 can be connected to a first end of a third assembly shaft 864. The second end of the third assembly shaft 864 can be connected to a sixth coupler 890. The sixth coupler 890 can also be connected to a shaft of a fourth conveyor 816. The shaft of the fourth conveyor 816 can also be connected to a seventh coupler 892. The seventh coupler 892 can be connected to a first end of a fourth assembly shaft 866. A second end of the fourth assembly shaft 866 can be connected to an eighth coupler 894. The eighth coupler 894 can be connected to a shaft of a fifth conveyor 820. Any number of conveyors can be connected together in this manner.

A motor 830 can be coupled to a motor coupler 896. The motor coupler 896 can be connected to the shaft of the first conveyor 810.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative frame 12. The frame 12 can have a first side 914 parallel to a second side 919. The frame can have a third side 918 at least partially connected to a first portion or left portion of the first side 914 and the second side 919. A fourth side 916 can be connected to a second or right end of the first side 914 and second side 919. A bottom 920 can be connected to each side 919, 918, 914, and 916.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A modular storage unit for handling and storing tubulars in vertical columns comprising:

a. a frame comprising at least four sides connected together;

b. a guide frame removably secured to the frame;

c. at least two scissor assemblies removably secured to the bottom of the frame adjacent the guide frame;

d. a first conveyor assembly connected to the frame and operatively aligned with the scissor assembly; and

e. a second conveyor assembly connected with the frame adjacent the first conveyor assembly, and wherein at least a first portion of the second conveyor assembly is adjacent to and above the guide frame.

2. The modular storage unit of claim 1, wherein the guide frame comprise two guide fingers, wherein the guide fingers have a first end connected to a mounting plate and a second end connected to a horizontal bar.

3. The modular storage unit of claim 2, wherein the guide fingers are hollow rectangular tubes.

4. The modular storage unit of claim 1, wherein the scissor assemblies comprise an upper beam secured to an inner arm pivotably connected to an outer arm, an upper roller assembly on an upper roller support connected to the outer arm and the upper beam, a lower roller assembly connected to the inner arm and a lower main support with a lower roller support, and wherein the outer arm is removably secured to a lower fixed support attached to the bottom of the frame and a hydraulic cylinder with a clevis and pipe secured to the secured to the lower roller assembly.

5. The modular storage unit of claim 1, wherein an elevator is in selective communication with the conveyors.

6. The modular storage unit of claim 5, wherein the elevator is removably connected to a support structure adjacent to the frame.

7. The modular storage unit of claim 5, wherein a ramp conveyor is in communication with the elevator.

8. The modular storage unit of claim 7, wherein the elevator and the ramp conveyor perform synchronously.

9. A method for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns comprising:

a. transporting a tubular to an elevator;

b. lowering the tubular with the elevator;

c. forming a rolling path with two or more scissor assemblies;

d. rolling the tubular onto the rolling path from the elevator;

e. moving the tubular along the rolling path using at least a portion of a first conveyor to a first available slot formed by lowering at least one of the scissor assemblies; and

f. storing the tubular within the formed slot.

10. A system for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns comprising:

a. a modular storage unit, wherein the modular storage unit comprises: (i) a frame comprising at least four sides connected together; (ii) a guide frame removably secured to the frame; (iii) at least two scissor assemblies removably secured to the bottom of the frame adjacent the guide frame; (iv) a first conveyor assembly connected to the frame and operatively aligned with the scissor assembly; (v) a second conveyor assembly connected with the frame adjacent the first conveyor assembly, and wherein at least a first portion of the second conveyor assembly is adjacent to and above the guide frame; and (vi) a ramp conveyor at least partially connected to the modular storage unit; and

b. an elevator in selective communication with the second conveyor, an upper portion of at least one of the scissor assemblies, and the ramp conveyor wherein.

11. The system unit of claim 10, wherein the guide frame comprise two guide fingers, wherein the guide fingers have a first end connected to a mounting plate and a second end connected to a horizontal bar.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the guide fingers are hollow rectangular tubes.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the scissor assemblies comprise an upper beam secured to an inner arm pivotably connected to an outer arm, an upper roller assembly on an upper roller support connected to the outer arm and the upper beam, a lower roller assembly connected to the inner arm and a lower main support with a lower roller support, and wherein the outer arm is removably secured to a lower fixed support attached to the bottom of the frame and a hydraulic cylinder with a clevis and pipe secured to the secured to the lower roller assembly.