System and Method for Erecting a Drilling Rig

Abstract

A system and method for erecting a drilling rig is disclosed herein. A system for erecting a drilling rig can comprise a substructure comprising a base platform. Additionally, the rig can comprise a modular rig mast comprising a plurality of sections, the plurality of sections comprising a first section, and the rig mast mountable to the substructure. Lastly, the rig can comprise a first one or more lifting means, the one or more lifting means each having a first end connected to the rig mast and a second end connected to the structure, the lifting means capable of lifting the rig mast from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a system and method for erecting a drilling rig.

Historically, the main methods for drilling were mechanized with the invention of cable drilling. As technology evolved, drilling developed into more sophisticated processes both onshore and offshore with design features of improved mobility, flexibility and increases in depth of operation.

While onshore drilling uses the ground as a platform, an offshore environment requires an artificial drilling platform, due to the depth of the ocean floor. At times, it is necessary to move a rig from one location to another. In the past, larger land rigs have been designed to be divided into sections and loads to move to a new place or location. However, these processes are expensive, time consuming, as they often takes weeks to finish.

With the current trend of innovation in this industry, there have been improvements in the drilling process, such as cost-effective technology, upgraded machine performance and rig mobility. Nevertheless, the following issues remain to be unsolved: expensive machines, such as onsite cranes, difficult assembly, and costs due to down time.

Hence, it would be useful to have an improved system and method for erecting a drilling rig.

SUMMARY

A system and method for erecting a drilling rig is disclosed herein. A system for erecting a drilling rig can comprise a substructure comprising a base platform. Additionally, the rig can comprise a modular rig mast comprising a plurality of sections, the plurality of sections comprising a first section, and the rig mast mountable to the substructure. Lastly, the rig can comprise a first one or more lifting means, the one or more lifting means each having a first end connected to the rig mast and a second end connected to the structure, the lifting means capable of lifting the rig mast from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

In addition, a method for erecting a drilling rig is disclosed. A method for erecting a drilling rig can comprise connecting a first section of a rig mast to a substructure using a first locking mechanism, the rig mast in a substantially horizontal position. Additionally, the method can comprise connecting a second section of said rig mast to a first section of the rig mast using a second locking mechanism, to form at least a portion of the rig mast. Additionally, the method can comprise raising the assembled rig mast from the substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, using a lifting means.

loading a mast platform onto a substructure, connecting a first section a of rig mast onto a substructure by a first locking mechanism, and assembling a plurality of sections of rig mast by a second locking mechanism to form an assembled rig mast. The method further comprises attaching a mast-raising cylinder to a section of a rig mast and raising the assembled rig mast by mast-raising cylinders onto the substructure. Furthermore, the method can comprise a rig mast attaching onto the substructure at the rig mast platform by rig mast legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a drilling rig.

FIG. 2A illustrates a rig mast.

FIG. 2B illustrates a modular rig mast.

FIG. 3A illustrates a substructure with a rig ramp and a truck ramp.

FIG. 3B illustrates A-frames comprising a winch system.

FIG. 3C illustrates a mast platform sliding into a platform slot.

FIG. 4 illustrates mast platform slid into platform slot.

FIG. 5A illustrates a rig ramp with a truck loading a first rig mast section.

FIG. 5B illustrates a track system.

FIG. 5C illustrates a first rig mast section connecting to a mast platform.

FIG. 5D illustrates a close up view of a rig mast section fastened to top boxes.

FIG. 6A illustrates a truck with a second rig mast section connecting to a first rig mast section.

FIG. 6B illustrates a close up view of a splice hook.

FIG. 7 illustrates a truck loading and connecting a third rig mast section of rig mast to a linked first rig mast section and second rig mast section.

FIG. 8 illustrates an assembled rig mast positioned horizontally.

FIG. 9 illustrates erecting of a rig mast.

FIG. 10A illustrates an installed rig mast.

FIG. 10B illustrates a mast platform elevating above a substructure.

FIG. 10C illustrates a fully erected land rig.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a system and method for erecting a drilling rig. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a drilling rig 100. Drilling rig 100 can comprise a base platform 101. Drilling rig 100 can also comprise a rig mast 102. Base platform 101 can support weight of rig mast 102. Additionally, drilling rig 100 can comprise a substructure 103 beneath base platform 101. Base lifters 104 can support base platform 101 and rig mast 102.

FIG. 2A illustrates a rig mast 102. Rig mast 102 can house drilling equipment involved in drilling a well. Rig mast 102 can attach to substructure 103 to accommodate well for drilling through surface of ground. Rig mast 102 can comprise a mast platform 200 at its bottom surface.

FIG. 2B illustrates a modular rig mast 102. Rig mast 102 can comprise a plurality of sections. In one embodiment, rig mast 102 can comprise three sections: a first rig mast section 102a, a second rig mast section 102b, and a third rig mast section 102c.

Each section of rig mast 102 can be attachable together during installation onto substructure 103, which will be described further below. Mast platform 200 can serve as the base of rig mast 102. Mast platform 200 can comprise top boxes 201. In one embodiment, top boxes 201 can comprise a plurality of protruding pillars that can extend from the top surface of mast platform 200. In one embodiment, first rig mast section 102a can connect to mast platform 200 at top boxes 201. In one embodiment, top boxes 201 can comprise four protruding pillars.

Mast platform 200 can also comprise continuation ramp 202. Continuation ramp 202 can comprise a plurality of beams extending outward from a plurality of top boxes 201. Continuation ramp 202 can be angled or otherwise comprise a slope.

Mast platform 200 can be capable of supporting all sections of rig mast 102. Each section of rig mast 102 can be attachable to each other and assembled prior to installation, which will be discussed further below. Once assembled, all sections of rig mast 102, as a whole, can be attachable to mast platform 200. Furthermore, mast platform 200 can bridge rig mast 102 to substructure 103, which will be further described below.

FIG. 3A illustrates a substructure with a rig ramp 302 and a truck ramp 304. Substructure 103 can serve as a foundation for all other necessary equipment for erecting, drilling, maintaining and managing a well. One foundational structure at top surface of substructure 103 can include base platform 101. Base platform 101 can comprise a plurality of beams, flooring and/or rails. Additionally, base platform 101 can comprise a plurality of base lifters 104 attached beneath its surface. In one embodiment, base lifters 104 can be built into substructure 103. Base lifters 104 can comprise foldable legs, which can extend upwards by way of hinges and/or elbow joints. In one embodiment, base lifters 104 can comprise hydraulic lifting capabilities. Furthermore, base lifters 104 can lift and support base platform 101, which will be discussed further below.

In addition, substructure 103 can also comprise base cylinders 300 positioned near or at the site of base platform 101. Base cylinders 300 can be capable of lifting base platform 101, such as by hydraulic methods known in the art. Substructure 103 can also comprise a winch 301. Winch 301 can comprise cable 307. In one embodiment, winch 301 can act as a pulley for any installation of additional components of drilling rig, which will be more thoroughly discussed below. In one embodiment, winch 301 can have a gear assembly and can be electric or hydraulic. In another embodiment, winch 301 can work in conjunction with base cylinders 300 in the installation to be discussed further below. Furthermore, additional drilling rig components, such as, but not limited to, flooring, rails, an independent rotary drive, and/or engines for drilling a well.

Substructure 103 can comprise a rig ramp 302 and a truck ramp 304. Rig ramp 302 and truck ramp 304 can extend outward from an end of substructure 103 adjacent to base platform 101. Rig ramp 302 can be parallel to and located above truck ramp 304. Rig ramp 302 can comprise, but is not limited to, a plurality of beams. Rig ramp 302 can further comprise structure elevators 303 that are capable of lifting and lowering the beams of rig ramp 302. Additionally, structure elevators 303 can support additional weight loaded upon rig ramp 302. In one embodiment, structure elevators 303 can comprise a plurality of load-bearing hydraulic cylinders. Rig ramp 302 can comprise two beams, in one embodiment.

Truck ramp 304 can comprise an incline plane. Incline plane of truck ramp 304 can comprise an angle that elevates as truck ramp 304 approaches substructure 103. Truck ramp 304 can be positioned beneath and/or between structural beams and/or structure elevators 303 of rig ramp 302.

As a result of the modularity of rig mast 102 and mast platform 200, each section and component can be installed onto substructure 103 piecemeal. A truck 310 can comprise conventional vehicles used by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Truck 310 can assist in moving rig mast 102 onto substructure 103. Truck 310 can be used as load bearing support during installation. Mast platform 200 can be loaded onto truck 310 and hauled to substructure 103. In one embodiment, beams of rig ramp 302 can be a width wide enough to allow truck 310 to fit between. Truck ramp 304 can accommodate width of truck 310 used to load mast platform 200. Mast platform 200 can be hauled onto rig ramp 101, as truck ramp 304 can allow the bed of truck 310 to angle upwards to accommodate installation of rig mast 102. Mast platform 200 on truck 310 can form the base of rig mast 102 to be installed onto substructure 103.

Truck 310 can aid in guiding sections of rig mast 102 together by moving forwards and backwards as needed. Truck 310 can drive onto truck ramp 304 and rig ramp 302 to load mast platform 200. Mast platform 200 can comprise rig mast base 102a. Rig ramp 302 can hold, support and accommodate the transport of all modular sections of rig mast 102 during installation, starting with the mast platform 200. Rig ramp 302 can receive mast platform 200 from truck 310. As truck 310 ascends up incline of truck ramp 304, mast platform 200 can catch onto surface of rig ramp 302. Mast platform 200 can be angled downward with an incline by structure elevators 303. As truck 310 continues to back up, entire surface of mast platform 200 can be gradually loaded off of bed of truck 310 and onto rig ramp 302.

Structure elevators 303 elevating rig ramp 302 can be placed underneath rig ramp 302 on opposite lengthwise sides of rig ramp 302. Structure elevators 303 can be positioned parallel to each other and angled with slope of rig ramp 302. Base platform 101 can receive any components transferred up rig ramp 302 and/or truck ramp 304. Rig ramp 302 can be attached to base platform 101 by a connecting device, such as, but not limited to, hinges, for example. Furthermore, base platform 101 can comprise a platform slot 305. Platform slot 305 can comprise a slot track 306. In one embodiment, platform slot 305 can be shaped to complement the structural base of mast platform 200. Slot track 306 can facilitate attachment of mast platform 200 to platform slot 305, which will be discussed further below.

FIG. 3B illustrates a first winch system comprising winches 301 mounted to winch support frames 308. Winch 301 can comprise cables 307. Winch 301 can comprise a spool or crank which can pull cables 307. Winch 301 can pull mast platform 200 by spooling cables 307. Structure elevators 303 can be used to support weight, angle rig ramp 302 and/or truck ramp 304. Angle of rig ramp 302 and/or truck ramp 304 can assist placement of mast platform 200 onto base platform 101. As winch 301 pulls mast platform 200, mast platform 200 can be loaded onto surface of base platform 101.

Base platform 101 can comprise a flat surface capable of supporting the entire rig mast 102. Piece by piece, starting with mast platform 101, all parts of rig mast 102 can attach to base platform 101. Base platform 101 can support weight of each piece of rig mast 102 during installation.

One or more cables 307 can be attached to mast platform 200. Cables 307 can comprise, but is not limited to, wire, metal, or steel, which can sustain tension and support weight of rig mast 102. For the purposes of this disclosure, cables 307 can include, wire, metal, rope, or chain. Cables 307 are can be attached to load on truck 310. Cables 307 can be pulled by winch 301. In one embodiment, winch 301 can also consist of brakes to control slack and tension. In one another embodiment, cables 307 can be held by a deadline anchor, which can sustain tension in cables 307, as deadline anchor can be integrated into substructure 103. Base cylinders 300 can aid in pulling sections of rig mast 102 onto base platform 101.

FIG. 3C illustrates mast platform 200 sliding into platform slot 305 of base platform 101.

FIG. 4 illustrates mast platform 200 slid into platform slot 305. As mast platform 200 is loaded onto base platform 101, the mast platform 200 can be inserted into base platform slot 305. Base platform 101 can have platform slot 305, which can fit mast platform 200 onto substructure 103, as mentioned earlier. Platform slot 305 can comprise an open space with a concave or recessed inner border. Platform slot 305 can also comprise same dimensions as base of mast platform 200, making mast platform 200 capable of sliding into base platform slot 305.

FIG. 5A illustrates a rig ramp 302 with truck 310 loading first rig mast section 102a. Rig ramp 302 can be connected to mast platform 200 by continuation ramp 202. First rig mast section 102a can be horizontally loaded onto the bed of truck 310 for installation onto mast platform 200.

After mast platform 200 slides fully into platform slot 305 and mast platform 200 is installed onto base platform 101, rig ramp 302 can then be aligned with continuation ramp 202 of base platform 101 by elevation of structure elevators 303. Once aligned, rig ramp 302 can be winched into place with continuation ramp 202. Continuation ramp 202 can continue the track of rig ramp 302 to top boxes 201. In one embodiment, continuation ramp 202 can support weight of first rig mast section 102a.

The legs 500 of first rig mast section 102a can be loaded onto rig ramp 302. In one embodiment, legs 500 can comprise wheels 501. In one embodiment, first rig mast section 102a can be pulled by connecting cables 307 until reaching the edge of the mast platform 200. Rig ramp 302 can be adjusted in height and/or angle by structure elevators 303. In one embodiment, cables 307 from winch 301 can be elevated by base cylinders 300. Elevated height of cables 307 can allow winch 301 to more effectively pull first rig mast section 102a up the rig ramp 302 to the mast platform 200. In one embodiment, winch 301 can pull multiple sections of rig mast 102. In another embodiment, wheels can be attached to first rig mast section 102a to roll section of first rig mast section 102a up rig ramp 302 and/or continuation ramp 202.

FIG. 5B illustrates a track system 502. In one embodiment, wheels 501 of legs 500 can fit to track rails 503. Track system 502 can comprise track rails 502, onto which first rig mast section 102a can be fixed upon. In one embodiment, wheels 501, which can be attached to legs 500 of first rig mast section 102a, can cover track rails 503 and roll first rig mast section 102a across onto rig platform 200. In one embodiment, track rails 503 can run along length of rig ramp 302 and can continue along length of continuation ramp 202.

FIG. 5C illustrates first rig mast section 102a connecting to mast platform 200. As truck 310 travels up truck ramp 304, first rig mast section 102a can also travel up rig ramp 302 and/ or continuation ramp 202 and/or cables 307 As a result, continuation ramp 202 can allow first rig mast section 102a to continue its path from rig ramp 302 directly to top boxes 201 of mast platform 200. Cables 307 can pull first rig mast section 102a onto top boxes 201. In one embodiment, wheels 501 can be detachable.

FIG. 5D illustrates a close up view of first rig mast section 102a fastened to top boxes 201. Once first rig mast section 102a reaches top boxes 201, first rig mast section 102a can securely connect with mast platform 200. First rig mast section 102a can travel up track system 502 and lock onto top boxes 201. Pin 504 can be inserted to fasten first rig mast section 102a onto rig platform 200.

FIGS. 6A illustrates truck 310 attaching second rig mast section 102b to first rig mast section 102a. Truck 310 can be loaded with a second rig mast section 102b connecting to the first rig mast section 102a. Furthermore, second rig mast section 102b can comprise a plurality of mast-raising cylinders 601 attached at cylinder bolts 602. Cylinder bolts 602, which can be connectors affixed to edges of first rig mast section 102a. Cylinder bolts 602 can attach to mast-raising cylinders 601. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can be hydraulic. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can be movable and attached to any desired point on rig mast 102.

A hinge 600 can form from first rig mast section 102a attaches to top boxes 201 at pin 504. Hinge 600 can secure first rig mast section 102a for adjustment to appropriate height for installation to second rig mast section 102b. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can elevate or lower section of rig mast 102a at cylinder bolt 602. Also, mast-raising cylinders 601 can use hinge 600 as a pivot point to form the appropriate angle to connect first rig mast section 102a with second rig mast section 102b. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can extend to ground and/or base of substructure 103 and push up off of it to lower and elevate accordingly.

Similarly, base end of mast-raising cylinders 601 can be placed onto any point on substructure 103 from which mast-raising cylinders 601 can be placed against to buttress support. Once support from surface is established, mast-raising cylinders 601 can push off and bear heavy loads. In one embodiment, base of mast-raising cylinders 601 can also push off of ground. As a result, mast-raising cylinders 601 can then move weight of first rig mast section 102a closer to mast platform 200.

First rig mast section 102a can have hinging mechanism, in which base legs of first rig mast section 102a can securely attach to top boxes 201. Furthermore, mast-raising cylinders 601 and/or cables 307 can secure first rig mast section 102a in place at horizontal position. Horizontal positioning of first rig mast section 102a can allow for installation of rig mast 102 at a lower height than a vertical assembly that can require ascending several stories higher to assemble each additional section of rig mast 102.

FIG. 6B illustrates a close up view of a splice hook 603. Splice hook 603 can be located between sections of rig mast 102. In one embodiment, sections of rig mast 102 can comprise a splice hook 603 at connecting ends between each section. A splice hook 603 can act as a locking mechanism, which can allow first rig mast section 102a to be securely connected and fastened to second rig mast section 102b. Specifically, a splice hook 603 can comprise a protruding hook 603a from one section of rig mast 102a, which can catch onto bar 603b of second rig mast section 102b. When inserted together, protruding hook 603a and bar 603b can form a joint, which can lock and secure both sections of rig mast 102. In one embodiment, splice hook 603 can be placed on upper end of first section of rig mast 102a. In another embodiment, splice hook 603 can be on lower end of second section of rig mast 102b. As truck 310 reverses, protruding hook 603a on one end of section of rig mast 102a can be pushed into and connected to second section of rig mast 102b. Splice hook 603 allows flexible movement and adjustment of both sections of rig mast 102a and 102b to lower and elevate accordingly, while securely fastening both sections of rig mast 102 together.

On lower ends of first section rig mast 102a and second section rig mast 102b, other types of connecting mechanisms can be used to clasp both sections together, which can include, but are not limited to, coupling, another splice hook, bolts or other means of affixing, connecting and/or locking lower ends. Mast raising cylinders 601 can elevate and lower first rig mast section 102a, as attached splice hook 603 can correspondingly cause second rig mast section 102b to elevate and lower as well. When both section first rig mast section 102a and second rig mast section 102b are elevated, the lower ends of each section of rig mast 102 can be brought closer together, until they are connected or attached together.

FIG. 7 illustrates truck 310 loading and connecting third rig mast section 102c to linked first rig mast section 102a and second rig mast section 102b. A crown block 700 and other components can be connected to the edge of third rig mast section 102c to avoid adding at more dangerous vertical heights after rig mast 102 is completely installed and erected. In one embodiment, a traveling block dolly 701 can be added to inside of rig mast 102.

As truck 310 reverses, splice hook 603 can be used to attach second rig mast section 102b to third rig mast section 102c. Mast raising cylinders 601 can raise and lower first rig mast section 102a to help adjust angle and coordinate attachment of second rig mast section 102b to third rig mast section 102c at splice hook 603. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can elevate, lower and/or secure position of third rig mast section 102c. Once splice hook 603 is connected to upper portions of second rig mast section 102b and third rig mast section 102c, rig mast 102 can be positioned to connect first rig mast section 102a together by various embodiments of fastening devices. As a result, first rig mast section 102a, second rig mast section 102b, and third rig mast section 102c can be horizontally assembled together.

FIG. 8 illustrates an assembled rig mast 103 positioned horizontally. Once all sections of rig mast 102 are connected and securely fastened together, all sections of rig mast 102 can be ready to be raised as an assembled rig mast 102. A lift 801 can be connected at any desired location on rig mast 102. A standing pipe 800 can be used to hold the latter part of the hanging rig mast 102. Crown block 700 can be connected to the edge of the rig mast 102c. In a horizontal position, rig mast 102 can have a base end 802 and a crown end 803. Base end of rig mast 802 can attach directly to mast platform 200. Crown end 803 is meant to serve as the top of the rig mast 102 after installation. At base end 803, rig mast 102 can be held firmly by connecting to top boxes 201 on mast platform 200, in one embodiment. A rig mast 102 can be fastened to mast platform 200 by various embodiments of connecting devices. Additionally, mast-raising cylinders 601 can also be used to support base of rig mast 102a.

A standing pipe 800 can hold rig mast 102 at crown end 803. Standing pipe 800 can aid mast raising cylinder 601 in supporting weight of and/or stabilizing rig mast 102, as standing pipe 800 can prop up rig mast 102 into a horizontal position. Standing pipe 800 can be attached to third section of rig mast 102c. Fastening devices can be used to attach standing pipe 800 to surface of rig mast 102. In one embodiment, standing pipe 800 can retain a permanent length or, in another embodiment, can be adjustable in length with the ability to elevate and lower rig mast 102. The standing pipe 800 can be used in conjunction with mast-raising cylinders 601 and/or base cylinders 104 which can provide additional load- bearing support for horizontally positioned rig mast 102.

Once rig mast 102 is fully assembled, traveling block dolly 701, can be moved down to base end 802 of horizontal rig mast 102. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can be moved from ground or base of substructure 103 and locked into a structure elevator position 804 after standing pipe 800 secures rig mast 102. To achieve structure elevator position 804, mast-raising cylinders 601 can be rotated and elevated to use mast platform 200 and/or top of substructure 103 as a base from which to push. In one embodiment, mast-raising cylinders 601 can be fastened to mast platform 200 and/or top of substructure 103 by the use of appropriate adapting parts, accessories or equipment used by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Standing pipe 800 can act as a jack, which can secure rig mast 102 at horizontal position. In one embodiment, the horizontal position of assembled rig mast 102 held up by mast-raising cylinders 601 can be referred to as a structure elevator position 804. Structure elevator position 804 can be sustained for as long as necessary to add appropriate additions to rig mast 102 prior to erecting rig mast 102.

FIG. 9 illustrates erecting of rig mast 102. After achieving structure elevator position 804, mast-raising cylinders 601 can utilize 360-degree rotation capabilities from base of rig mast 102 and/or top of substructure 103. As a result, mast-raising cylinders 601 can elevate rig mast 102 from horizontal position to a vertical position. Mast-raising cylinders 601 can use attachment to upper side of first section of rig mast 102a to lift entire rig mast 102. In one embodiment, mast-raising cylinders 601 can use top of substructure 103 as a pivot point to retract themselves upwards. As a result, mast-raising cylinders 601 can gradually lift rig mast 102 to vertical position. The rig mast 102 can rotate counter clockwise for roughly 90 degrees, in one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the standing pipe 800 can aid in pushing up, securing, and/or steadying rig mast 102. In another embodiment, mast-raising cylinders 601 can attach at a different point on rig mast 102. Furthermore, cables 307 and/or additional mast-raising cylinders 601 can be used to erect rig mast 102.

FIG. 10A illustrates an installed rig mast 102. Installed rig mast 102 can be fully attached to mast platform 200. After mast-raising cylinders 601 reach an upright position and pull rig mast 102 until completely vertical, rig mast 102 is fully elevated. Once rig mast 102 is fully elevated, it can be attached to substructure 103 at top boxes 201. Particularly, a hook and pin system can be utilized to fasten the upper base legs of rig mast 102a to top boxes 201 on mast platform 200. In various embodiments, upper base legs of rig mast 102a can be connected to top boxes 201 by a variety of connecting devices and procedures, including, but not limited to, bolting.

At erected rig stage of installation, additional rig parts, such as stairs, houses, pumps, tanks can be attached and installed to mast platform 200 and/or substructure 103 as appropriate at erected rig position, prior to elevation of mast platform 200. Aside from rig parts accommodating use of mast platform 200 in the field, other rig parts necessary for drilling can be added as well. Finally, erected rig mast 102 can be added to and/or further built in accordance with standard procedures of the field and in compliance with code or statute of particular jurisdiction.

FIG. 10B illustrates mast platform 200 elevating above substructure 103. At substructure 103 beneath mast platform 200, base lifters 104 can raise entire mast platform 200 and rig mast 102 by lifting at attachments on bottom surface of mast platform 200. Base lifters 104 can push rig mast 102 up from underneath mast platform 200. Furthermore, mast-raising cylinders 601 can remain attached to mast platform 200 to support rig mast 102 during elevation.

FIG. 10C illustrates a fully erected land rig.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”

Claims

1. A self-erecting land rig comprising

a substructure comprising a base platform;

a modular rig mast comprising a plurality of sections, said plurality comprising a first section, said rig mast mountable to said substructure; and

a first one or more lifting means, said one or more lifting means each having a first end connected to said rig mast and a second end connected to said structure, said lifting means capable of lifting said rig mast from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of rig mast sections connect using one or more locking mechanisms.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said at least one of said locking mechanism comprises a splice hook.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said base platform comprises a slot, said mast platform insertable into said slot of said base platform.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said rig ramp comprises a track system across which said plurality of rig mast sections can travel across, said first rig mast section comprising track wheels.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a winch system comprising one or more winches and a plurality of cables, said cables attachable to said first section of said rig mast, said first section of said rig mast moveable by said winch system.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said winch system further comprises one or more winch support frames that support said one or more winches.

8. The system of claim 7 further comprising a second one or more lifting means capable of lifting said winch system

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said lifting means are hydraulic cylinders.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said base platform comprises base lifters beneath said base platform, said base lifters capable of elevating said base platform with said assembled mast platform.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said first section of said rig mast comprises a plurality of legs, two or more of said legs comprising wheels.

12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a rig ramp extending from the outermost surface of said substructure, said rig ramp comprising a plurality of beams capable of transporting a first section of said rig mast onto said base platform, said first section of said rig mast capable of sliding up said rig ramp.

13. A method for erecting a drilling rig comprising the steps connecting a first section of a rig mast to a substructure using a first locking mechanism, to form at least a portion of said rig mast, said rig mast in a substantially horizontal position;

connecting a second section of said rig mast to a first section using a second locking mechanism, to form at least a portion of said rig mast; and

raising said assembled rig mast from said substantially horizontal position to substantially vertical position, using a lifting means.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step connecting a third section of said rig mast on to said second rig mast using a third locking mechanism.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said second locking mechanism comprises a splice hook.

16. The method of claim 13 further comprising elevating said rig mast platform by a plurality of said base lifters underneath said rig mast platform, said base lifters.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the preceding step of wheeling said first section of said rig mast up a rig ramp.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said first section of said rig mast is wheeled up said rig ramp is accomplished in part by pulling said first section of said rig mast using a winch system.