Drilling fluid bucket and method
An apparatus and method for preventing the spillage of a drilling fluid onto a drilling rig floor. The apparatus comprises a first and second sleeve, and wherein the first and second sleeve form a cylindrical container. The apparatus also includes a closing member operatively attached at a first end of the first sleeve and operatively attached at a second end of the second sleeve, wherein the closing member is pneumatically operated. Also included is a latching member that latches the first sleeve with the second sleeve, and a seal member positioned along a face on the first sleeve that cooperates with a sealing surface positioned along a face on the second sleeve. In one embodiment, the latching member is a pneumatically operated piston contained within a cylinder, and wherein the cylinder is attached to a first hook and the piston is attached to a second hook, wherein the first latch and second latch cooperate with a fastener to latch the first sleeve and the second sleeve together.
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for collecting a drilling fluid. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for collecting a drilling fluid contained within a work string on a drilling rig floor.
In the drilling of wells, and in particular, oil and gas wells, it is necessary to drill a bore hole with use of a tubular work string and boring device. The boring device is generally a bit. A fluid is used in the drilling of the bore hole. The drilling fluid has many purposes including but limited to the pressure control of subterranean reservoir pressures, bit lubrication, and lifting bore hole cuttings.
In the course of drilling a well, it becomes necessary to lift the work string from the well bore. Under some circumstances, as the operator is pulling the work string from the well bore, the work string may contain, within the inner diameter portion, the fluid. This may be referred to as pulling a wet string. As readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, in the process of tripping the work string from the hole, and once a thread connection is undone, the drilling fluid spills out onto the drill floor. From the drill floor, the fluid may be directed to the mud tanks, but may fall off of the rig, and out into the environment. Many times, the drilling fluid may contain harmful and caustic materials. Sometimes, the drilling fluid contains toxic materials. In any case, the prevention of the fluid spillage is important for health, safety and environmental reasons. Under some instances, the prevention of spillage is required by law.
Several prior art bucket devices have been proposed. However, all prior art devices suffer from certain problems. For instance, a proper seal is not formed. Also, prior art devices have inadequate closing and latching mechanisms. Hence, there is a need for an apparatus for efficiently and effectively collecting fluids from work strings. There is also a need for an apparatus and method that will dependably open and close at the direction of the operator. These, as well as many other needs, will be met by the invention, which will become apparent from a reading of the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn apparatus for preventing the spillage of drilling fluid onto a drilling rig floor is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first and second sleeve, and wherein the first and second sleeve form a cylindrical member. The apparatus further includes a closing member operatively attached at a first end to the first sleeve and operatively attached at a second end to the second sleeve, wherein the closing member is pneumatically operated.
The apparatus further comprises a latching member that latches the first sleeve and second sleeve, and a seal means positioned along a first face on the first sleeve that cooperates with a sealing surface along a second face on the second sleeve.
The apparatus may further consist of a plurality of closing members operatively attached at a first end to the first sleeve and operatively attached at a second end to the second sleeve, wherein the closing members are pneumatically operated. In one embodiment, the latching member is a plurality of latching members, and wherein the latching members latch the first and second sleeve together. Additionally, the apparatus may include a seal lip positioned along the first sleeve and covering the second sleeve in order to prevent the contents of the bucket from leaking.
In one of the preferred embodiments, the latching member is a pneumatically operated piston contained within a cylinder and wherein the cylinder is attached to a first hook and the piston is attached to a second hook, wherein the first and second hooks cooperate with a fastener to latch the first and second sleeves together. The closing member of one of the preferred embodiments may comprise a first bracket attached to the first sleeve, a second bracket attached to the second sleeve, and a pneumatically operated piston contained within a cylinder and wherein the cylinder is attached to the first bracket and the second bracket is attached to the piston.
The seal means, in one preferred embodiment, comprises a longitudinal seal strip inserted into a first groove formed on the first face and a sealing face formed on the second face. The longitudinal seal strip and the seal face may be constructed of an elastomer. In one of the most preferred embodiments, the longitudinal seal strip contains a head portion and wherein the seal face comprises a complimentary enlarged portion that receives the head portion to provide a seal.
In another preferred embodiment, the latching members comprise a cylinder having a pneumatically responsive rod therein; a first hook connected to a first end of the cylinder and wherein the first hook is pivotly attached to the second sleeve; a second hook connected to the rod and wherein the second hook is pivotly attached to the second sleeve; and wherein, as air pressure is supplied to the cylinder, the rod expands and causes pivoting of the first hook to engage a first shoulder on the second sleeve, and the cylinder causes pivoting of the second hook to engage a second shoulder on the second sleeve.
A method of preventing spillage of a drilling fluid onto a drilling rig floor is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a drilling fluid bucket, and wherein the bucket comprises: a first and second sleeve that together form a cylindrical member; a pneumatically operated closing member operatively attached to the first and second sleeve; a latching member that latches the first and second sleeve together; and, a seal means positioned along a first face on the first sleeve that cooperates with a sealing surface positioned along a second face on the second sleeve. The method further includes surrounding the first and second tubular on the rig floor with the bucket and activating the pneumatic pistons of the closing member.
The method further includes pivoting the first and second sleeve so that a cylindrical container encapsulates the connection of the first tubular and second tubular. Next, a seal is formed, and wherein the step of forming a seal includes compressing the first seal against the seal face. The first tubular and second tubular can be disconnected. The drilling fluid from the first and second tubular is collected within the bucket and then directed from the bucket for proper disposal.
In one of the preferred embodiments, the bucket further comprises a pneumatically operated latching member and the step of pivoting the first and second sleeve further comprises activating the latching member and latching the first and second sleeve. Additionally, the bucket may comprise a seal lip along the hinged point, and wherein the step of forming a seal includes sealing the hinged point with the seal lip covering the hinged pivot seam.
In one embodiment, the bucket further comprises a pneumatically operated latching member and the step of pivoting the first and second sleeve further comprises activating the latching member, wherein the latching member comprises a cylinder having a pneumatically responsive rod therein; a first hook connected to a first end of the cylinder and wherein the first hook is pivotly attached to the second sleeve; a second hook connected to the rod and wherein the second hook is pivotly attached to the second sleeve. Next, the rod is expanded with the air pressure supplied to the cylinder, which in turn causes the pivoting of the first hook to engage a first shoulder on the second sleeve. The method further includes moving the cylinder with the air pressure which in turn causes pivoting of the second hook to engage a second shoulder on the second sleeve thereby latching the first and second sleeves together.
An advantage of the present invention is the double closure mechanism—the first being the closure member and the second being the latching member. An advantage of the present invention also includes that once the sleeves are closed and latched about the work string, the apparatus prevents spillage of fluid. Another advantage is that the apparatus is pneumatically operated. Yet another advantage is that the pneumatic operation allows for rapid control responses. Still yet another feature is that the closing and latching, as well as the unlatching and opening, is automatically controlled.
A feature of the present invention includes use of an air cylinder and piston to control the opening and closing of the sleeves. Another feature includes use of an air cylinder and piston for the latching and unlatching of the two sleeves together. Still yet another feature is the first longitudinal seal means that seals the jaw portion of the apparatus. Yet another feature is the second longitudinal seal lip that seals the hinge pivot seam of the apparatus. Another feature is that a preferred embodiment of the seal means includes a first seal face that has an enlarged portion that fits into a reciprocal groove on a second seal face. Another feature is the latching mechanism that uses the pneumatic cylinders and pistons to pivot hooks into engagement with a cooperating shoulder for latching the sleeves together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to
A plurality of shoulders are disposed on sleeve 4. More specifically, the pair of shoulders 54, 56 are attached to the sleeve 4 and will cooperate with the hooks 42, 44 so that the sleeve 4 is latched to sleeve 6. The pair of shoulders 58, 60 are also attached to the sleeve 4 and will cooperate with the hooks 50, 52 so that sleeve 4 is latched to sleeve 6. As seen in
Note that the hook 42, hook 44, hook 50, and hook 52 are also pivotly attached to the sleeve 6 via pin means; hook 42 pivots at 42a; hook 44 pivots at 44a; hook 50 pivots at 50a; and hook 52 pivots at 52a. Additionally, the latching members are pivotly connected to the hooks. More specifically, the cylinder 40 is pivotly attached to the hook 44 at 44b; rod 38 is pivotly attached to hook 42 at 42b. The cylinder 48 is pivotly attached to the hook 52 at 52b; rod 46 is pivotly attached to hook 50 at 50b. As air is supplied to cylinder 40, rod 38 extends as well as the cylinder 40, since the hooks 42, 44 are pivotly attached to the sleeve 4 at 42a, 44a. Hence, the rod 38 acts against hook 42 at pivot point 42b which in turn pivots the hook 42 at pivot point 42a; the cylinder 40 acts against hook 44 at pivot point 44b which in turn pivots the hook 44 at pivot point 44a. The hook 42 latches shoulder 56 and the hook 44 latches shoulder 54. The same mechanism applies for latching member 36. As air is supplied to cylinder 48, rod 46 extends as well as the cylinder 48, since the hooks 50, 52 are pivotly attached to the sleeve 4 at 50a, 52a. Hence, rod 46 acts against hook 50 at pivot point 50b which in turn pivots the hook 50 at pivot point 50a,; the cylinder 48 acts against hook 52 at pivot point 52a. The hook 50 latches shoulder 60 and hook 52 latches shoulder 54.
A rim 61a is provided on sleeve 4 and a rim 61b is provided on sleeve 6. When the sleeves 4, 6 are closed, the rims 61a, 61b will abut the work string and in effect encapsulate the work string, which in turn forms the bottom of the bucket.
Referring now to
Additionally, the operator will then activate the latching members 34, 36 via the supply line 69a. In the position shown in
Referring now to
In
Referring now to
Referring now to
In order to disengage the apparatus 2, the operation includes releasing pressure to the latching members 34, 36 so that the hooks 42, 44, 50, 52 can be released from the shoulders 54, 56, 58, 60. In the preferred embodiment, this is a manual operation, done by the operator. The closing members 10, 12, 14, 16 will also release the pressure within their cylinders so that the sleeves 4, 6 can be separated by the operator.
Referring now to
In the embodiment disclosed, the seal means will be an elastomeric member, and wherein due to the nature of elastomeric members, there is the ability to expand and contract. Referring now to
Claims
1. A drilling fluid bucket comprising:
- a first half cylindrical member;
- a second half cylindrical member, and wherein said first half cylindrical member and said second half cylindrical member form a cylindrical member;
- a closing member operatively attached at a first end to said first half cylindrical member and operatively attached at a second end to said second half cylindrical member, wherein said closing member is pneumatically operated;
- a latching member that latches said first half cylindrical member with said second half cylindrical member.
2. The bucket of claim 1 wherein said closing member comprises:
- a first bracket attached to said first half cylindrical member;
- a second bracket attached to said second half cylindrical member;
- a pneumatically operated piston contained within a cylinder and wherein said cylinder is attached to said first bracket and said second bracket is attached to said piston.
3. The bucket of claim 2 further comprising:
- an outlet for directing a drilling fluid from said drilling fluid bucket.
4. The bucket of claim 2 wherein said latching member is a pneumatically operated piston contained within a cylinder attached to a first hook and a piston attached to a second hook, wherein said first and second hooks cooperate with a fastener to latch said first and said second half cylindrical members together.
5. The bucket of claim 4 further comprising:
- a seal means positioned along a first face on said first half cylindrical member that cooperates with a sealing surface positioned along a second face on said second half cylindrical member.
6. The bucket of claim 5 wherein said seal means comprises a longitudinal seal strip inserted into a groove formed on said first face.
7. The bucket of claim 6 further comprising a seal lip positioned along the first half cylindrical member and covering said second half cylindrical member.
8. The bucket of claim 7 further comprising:
- a plurality of closing members operatively attached at a first end to said first half cylindrical member and operatively attached at a second end to said second half cylindrical member, wherein said closing members are pneumatically operated.
9. The bucket of claim 8 further comprising:
- a plurality of latching members that locks said first half cylindrical member and second half member together.
10. An apparatus for preventing the spillage of a drilling fluid onto a drilling rig floor, the apparatus comprising:
- a first sleeve;
- a second sleeve, and wherein said first sleeve and second sleeve form a cylindrical member;
- a closing member operatively attached at a first end of said first sleeve and operatively attached at a second end of said second sleeve, wherein said closing member is pneumatically operated;
- a latching member that latches said first sleeve with said second sleeve;
- a seal means positioned along a first face on said first sleeve that cooperates with a sealing surface positioned along a second face on said second sleeve.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising:
- an outlet for directing the drilling fluid from the apparatus.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said latching member is a pneumatically operated piston contained within a cylinder, and wherein said cylinder is attached to a first hook and said piston is attached to a second hook, wherein said first hook and said second hook cooperate with a fastener to latch said first sleeve and said second sleeve together.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said closing member comprises:
- a first bracket attached to said first sleeve;
- a second bracket attached to said second sleeve;
- a pneumatically operated piston contained within a cylinder and wherein said cylinder is attached to said first bracket and said second bracket is attached to said piston.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said seal means comprises a longitudinal seal strip inserted into a groove formed on said first face.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising:
- a plurality of closing members operatively attached at a first end to said first sleeve and operatively attached at a second end to said second sleeve, wherein said closing members are pneumatically operated.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said latching member comprises:
- a plurality of latching members that latches said first sleeve and said second sleeve together.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a seal lip positioned along the first sleeve and covering said second sleeve in order to prevent the drilling fluid within the bucket from leaking.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said longitudinal seal strip and said sealing surface is constructed of an elastomer.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said longitudinal seal strip contains a head portion and wherein said sealing surface comprises a complimentary enlarged portion that receives said head portion to provide a seal.
20. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said latching members comprise:
- a cylinder having a pneumatically responsive rod therein;
- a first hook connected to a first end of said cylinder and wherein said first hook is pivotly attached to said second sleeve;
- a second hook connected to said rod and wherein said second hook is pivotly attached to said second sleeve;
- and wherein, as air pressure is supplied to said cylinder, said rod expands and causes pivoting of said first hook to engage a first shoulder on said second sleeve, and said cylinder causes pivoting of said second hook to engage a second shoulder on said second sleeve.
21. A method of preventing spillage of a drilling fluid contained within a first and a second tubular onto a drilling rig floor, wherein said frist and second tubular are threadedly attached, the method comprising:
- providing a drilling fluid bucket, and wherein the bucket comprises: a first sleeve; a second sleeve, and wherein said first sleeve and said second sleeve form a cylindrical container; a closing member operatively attached at a first end to said first sleeve and operatively attached at a second end to said second sleeve, wherein said closing member is pneumatically operated; a latching member that latches said first sleeve and second sleeve; a seal means positioned along a first face on said first sleeve that cooperates with a sealing face formed on said second sleeve;
- providing said first end of said second tubular within a rotary table on the drilling rig floor;
- surrounding said first and said second tubular with said bucket;
- activating said pneumatic closing member;
- pivoting said first sleeve and said second sleeve so that the cylindrical container encapsulates said first tubular and said second tubular;
- forming a seal to keep the drilling fluid within the cylindrical container by compressing the first seal against the seal surface;
- disconnecting the first tubular and the second tubular;
- collecting the drilling fluid from said first tubular and said second tubular within said bucket;
- directing the drilling fluid from said bucket.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the bucket further comprises a pneumatically operated latching member and the step of pivoting said first and second sleeve further comprising:
- activating said latching member wherein said latching member contains a hook member;
- engaging said hook member onto a shoulder on said cylindrical container.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein the bucket further comprises a seal lip along a hinge pivot seam of said cylindrical container, and wherein the step of forming a seal further comprising:
- sealing the hinge pivot seam with the seal lip.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein the bucket further comprises a pneumatically operated latching member and the step of pivoting said first and said second sleeve further comprises:
- activating said latching member, wherein said latching member comprise: a cylinder having a pneumatically responsive rod therein; a first hook connected to a first end of said cylinder and wherein said first hook is pivotly attached to said second sleeve; a second hook connected to said rod and wherein said second hook is pivotly attached to said second sleeve;
- expanding said rod with an air pressure supplied to said cylinder, said rod expanding and causing the pivoting of said first hook to engage a first shoulder on said second sleeve;
- moving said cylinder with the air pressure which causes pivoting of said second hook to engage a second shoulder on said second sleeve so that the first and the second sleeves are latched togehter.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 18, 2004
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2005
Inventor: Phillip Pearson (Broussard, LA)
Application Number: 10/803,863