Abstract: An interlock between a drawworks and a blowout preventer includes a sensor for sensing a position of the blowout preventer. An interlock signal is generated by the sensor, and the interlock signal is reflective of the position of the blowout preventer. A lock operably connected to the drawworks receives the interlock signal and disables operation of the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion. A method for operating a drill rig includes operating a drawworks to raise and lower a drill string and operating a blowout preventer. The method further includes sensing a position of the blowout preventer and generating an interlock signal that reflects the position of the blowout preventer. The method further includes comparing the interlock signal to a predetermined criterion and disabling the drawworks if the interlock signal meets the predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the components of a skid module comprising a load driven by a motor associated with an automatic transmission using lockup technology includes a smart box associated with the skid module. Exemplary loads include mud pumps and generators. A plurality of sensors are associated with skid components and electrically associated with the smart box. The smart box uses at least some of said plurality of sensors to determine if the lockup technology is working properly and generates a warning when a lockup failure is detected. The skid module status is reported to at least one of a local display device or a remote display device in communication with the smart device over a network.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a drill rig includes a data acquisition board and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor transmits operational data associated with the drill rig to the data acquisition board, and the operational data includes an operating parameter of equipment or environmental information associated with the drill rig. A camera generates image data associated with the operational data and transmits the image data to the data acquisition board. A processor on the data acquisition board is configured to synchronize the operational data with the image data. A mobile communications device receives the operational data synchronized with the image data from the processor. A database server is remote from the above ground drill rig and in communication with the mobile communications device, and the database server is configured to receive the operational data synchronized with the image data from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: A system for communicating between equipment on a plurality of skids associated with a drill rig and a database server remote from the drill rig includes a data acquisition board on the drill rig. A plurality of sensors on the drill rig are configured to transmit data associated with the equipment on the plurality of skids to the data acquisition board. A processor in communication with the data acquisition board is configured to execute a first logic that causes the processor to receive the data from each sensor within a project area defined by a predetermined distance from an predefined reference point or a predetermined list, format said received data, and transfer the received data to the database server.

Abstract: An interlock between a drawworks and a tong includes a sensor for sensing a position of the tong. An interlock signal is generated by the sensor for sensing the position of the tong that is reflective of the position of the tong. A lock operably connected to the drawworks receives the interlock signal and disables operation of the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion. A method for operating a drill rig includes operating a drawworks to raise and lower a drill string and operating a tong to add or remove segments to the drill string. The method further includes sensing a position of the tong, generating an interlock signal that reflects the position of the tong, and disabling the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a power swivel system includes a smart box comprising a processing device electrically associated with a memory, communication technology and least one of a local display device or a remote display device where the communication technology. The smart box is associated with a power swivel system comprising a power swivel unit in fluid communication with a hydraulic pump system driven by a motor. The hydraulic pump system is configured to pump a hydraulic fluid through the power swivel unit to activate rotating elements. A plurality of sensors are connected to the processing device and various components of the power swivel system including the rotating elements to monitor such elements and minimize the possibility of an over speed and/or over torque condition. Data providing a status of the power swivel system components is transmitted to a remote device and presented to a user via a GUI.

Abstract: An interlock between a drawworks and a segment hoist includes a sensor for sensing a position of the segment hoist. An interlock signal is generated by the sensor for sensing the position of the segment hoist and is reflective of the position of the segment hoist. A lock operably connected to the drawworks receives the interlock signal and disables operation of the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion. A method for operating a drill rig includes operating a drawworks to raise and lower a drill string and operating a segment hoist. The method further includes sensing a position of the segment hoist, generating an interlock signal that reflects the position of the segment hoist, and disabling the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: An interlock between a drawworks and a tong includes a sensor for sensing a position of the tong. An interlock signal is generated by the sensor for sensing the position of the tong that is reflective of the position of the tong. A lock operably connected to the drawworks receives the interlock signal and disables operation of the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion. A method for operating a drill rig includes operating a drawworks to raise and lower a drill string and operating a tong to add or remove segments to the drill string. The method further includes sensing a position of the tong, generating an interlock signal that reflects the position of the tong, and disabling the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: An interlock between a drawworks and a segment hoist includes a sensor for sensing a position of the segment hoist. An interlock signal is generated by the sensor for sensing the position of the segment hoist and is reflective of the position of the segment hoist. A lock operably connected to the drawworks receives the interlock signal and disables operation of the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion. A method for operating a drill rig includes operating a drawworks to raise and lower a drill string and operating a segment hoist. The method further includes sensing a position of the segment hoist, generating an interlock signal that reflects the position of the segment hoist, and disabling the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A system for communicating between assets associated with a construction site and a database server remote from the construction includes a data acquisition board on the construction site. A plurality of sensors each associated with an asset on the construction site transmits data associated with its respective asset to the data acquisition board. A processor in communication with the data acquisition board is configured to execute a first logic that causes the processor to receive the data from each sensor within a project area defined by a predetermined distance from a predefined reference point or a predetermined list, format said received data, and transfer the received data to the database server.

Abstract: A system for communicating between equipment on a plurality of skids associated with a drill rig and a database server remote from the drill rig includes a data acquisition board on the drill rig. A plurality of sensors on the drill rig are configured to transmit data associated with the equipment on the plurality of skids to the data acquisition board. A processor in communication with the data acquisition board is configured to execute a first logic that causes the processor to receive the data from each sensor within a project area defined by a predetermined distance from an predefined reference point or a predetermined list, format said received data, and transfer the received data to the database server.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a power swivel system includes a smart box comprising a processing device electrically associated with a memory, communication technology and least one of a local display device or a remote display device where the communication technology. The smart box is associated with a power swivel system comprising a power swivel unit in fluid communication with a hydraulic pump system driven by a motor. The hydraulic pump system is configured to pump a hydraulic fluid through the power swivel unit to activate rotating elements. A plurality of sensors are connected to the processing device and various components of the power swivel system including the rotating elements to monitor such elements and minimize the possibility of an over speed and/or over torque condition. Data providing a status of the power swivel system components is transmitted to a remote device and presented to a user via a GUI.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the components of a skid module comprising a load driven by a motor associated with an automatic transmission using lockup technology includes a smart box associated with the skid module. Exemplary loads include mud pumps and generators. A plurality of sensors are associated with skid components and electrically associated with the smart box. The smart box uses at least some of said plurality of sensors to determine if the lockup technology is working properly and generates a warning when a lockup failure is detected. The skid module status is reported to at least one of a local display device or a remote display device in communication with the smart device over a network.

Abstract: A drill rig includes a drawworks having a drum operably connected to a drive system and a brake. A drill string extends from the drum of the drawworks, along a derrick, to a block and tackle arrangement holding a travelling block so that operation of the drawworks causes the drum to release or retract the drill string. A travelling block controller controls the operation of the drawworks. An interlock sensor senses a sensed parameter, and the sensed parameter is at least one of a drill rig parameter, a drawworks parameter, or a travelling block controller parameter. An interlock signal generated by the interlock sensor is reflective of the sensed parameter. An interlock operably connected to the travelling block controller receives the interlock signal and disables operation of at least one of the travelling block controller or the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a drill rig includes a data acquisition board and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor transmits operational data associated with the drill rig to the data acquisition board, and the operational data includes an operating parameter of equipment or environmental information associated with the drill rig. A camera generates image data associated with the operational data and transmits the image data to the data acquisition board. A processor on the data acquisition board is configured to synchronize the operational data with the image data. A mobile communications device receives the operational data synchronized with the image data from the processor. A database server is remote from the above ground drill rig and in communication with the mobile communications device, and the database server is configured to receive the operational data synchronized with the image data from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: A drill rig includes a drawworks having a drum operably connected to a drive system and a brake. A drill string extends from the drum of the drawworks, along a derrick, to a block and tackle arrangement holding a travelling block so that operation of the drawworks causes the drum to release or retract the drill string. A travelling block controller controls the operation of the drawworks. An interlock sensor senses a sensed parameter, and the sensed parameter is at least one of a drill rig parameter, a drawworks parameter, or a travelling block controller parameter. An interlock signal generated by the interlock sensor is reflective of the sensed parameter. An interlock operably connected to the travelling block controller receives the interlock signal and disables operation of at least one of the travelling block controller or the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A braking system may include a brake assembly having a brake shaft and a brake lever coupled to the brake shaft. The system may also include a brake cylinder having a first chamber, a second chamber, a piston positioned between the chambers and a piston rod extending outwardly from the piston. The piston rod may be configured to be coupled to the brake shaft such that movement of the piston rod results in rotation of the brake shaft. In addition, the system may include a first valve configured to control a supply of working fluid to the first chamber and a second valve configured to control a supply of the working fluid to the second chamber. By adjusting a position of the first valve and/or the second valve, a braking force applied between the brake assembly and a drum of the draw works may be controlled.

Abstract: A braking system may include a brake assembly having a brake shaft and a brake lever coupled to the brake shaft. The system may also include a brake cylinder having a first chamber, a second chamber, a piston positioned between the chambers and a piston rod extending outwardly from the piston. The piston rod may be configured to be coupled to the brake shaft such that movement of the piston rod results in rotation of the brake shaft. In addition, the system may include a first valve configured to control a supply of working fluid to the first chamber and a second valve configured to control a supply of the working fluid to the second chamber. By adjusting a position of the first valve and/or the second valve, a braking force applied between the brake assembly and a drum of the draw works may be controlled.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a drill rig includes a data management system on the drill rig configured to receive data reflective of an operating parameter of the drill rig. A communications device is operably coupled to the data management system and configured to transmit the data, and a local computing device is configured to receive the data. A graphical user interface on the local computing device is configured to display the data. A method for communicating with a drill rig includes receiving the data, transmitting a request for accessing the data, and transmitting the data. The method further includes transmitting from the local computing device to the data management system an instruction to control equipment on the drill rig.

Abstract: The present multi-function cable hoist system controller monitors a variety of drilling rig hoist system functions, including: positioning of the hoist block of the hoist system, speed/momentum of the hoist block, and hoist block loading. The controller can also monitor: cable ton-mile parameters, weight on the drill bit, and drill bit penetration rate. The controller automatically controls operation of the hoist system's drawworks when the system's operation exceeds certain preset and user specified parameters. The controller has a housing containing a microprocessor, supporting circuitry, and input and output systems. An instruction set digitally stored on the microprocessor codes for the functional features of the controller and enables it to process inputs and to generate outputs to accomplish the controller's functions. Device input means and display/alarm means are mounted on the front panel of the housing. A drawworks output communicates drawworks control signals to the hoist system.