Apparatus and method for performing earth borehole operations
An apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising a base or substructure, a mast mounted on the base, a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough and a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive, the apparatus being operable to selectively use the top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in borehole operations while the coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative and selectively operable to use the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into an earth borehole while the top drive is substantially inoperative or alternatively using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into a tubular string being manipulated by the top drive.
The application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/149,673 filed Jun. 10, 2005, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/107,183 filed Apr. 15, 2005, and for APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING EARTH BOREHOLE OPERATIONS, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to apparatus for performing earth borehole operations such as drilling, and in particular to apparatus which can use both coiled tubing and jointed-pipe.
2. Description of Prior Art
The use of coiled tubing (CT) technology in oil and gas drilling and servicing has become more and more common in the last few years. In CT technology, a continuous pipe wound on a spool is straightened and pushed down a well using a CT injector. CT technology can be used for both drilling and servicing.
The advantages offered by the use of CT technology, including economy of time and cost are well known. As compared with jointed-pipe technology wherein typically 30-45 foot straight sections of pipe are threadedly connected one section at a time while drilling the wellbore, CT technology allows the continuous deployment of pipe while drilling the well, significantly reducing the frequency with which such drilling must be suspended to allow additional sections of pipe to be connected. This results in less connection time, and as a result, an efficiency of both cost and time.
However, the adoption of CT technology in drilling has been less widespread than originally anticipated as a result of certain problems inherent in using CT in a drilling application. For example, because CT tends to be less robust than jointed-pipe for surface-level drilling, it is often necessary to drill a surface hole using jointed-pipe, cement casing into the surface hole, and then switch over to CT drilling. Additionally, when difficult formations such as rock are encountered down-hole, it may be necessary to switch from CT drilling to jointed-pipe drilling until drilling through the formation is complete, and then switch back to CT drilling to continue drilling the well. Similarly, when it is necessary to perform drill stem testing or coring operations to assess conditions downhole, it may again be necessary to switch from CT drilling to jointed-pipe drilling and then back again. Finally, a switch back to jointed pipe operations may be necessary to run casing into the drilled well. In short, in CT drilling operations it is generally necessary for customers and crew to switch back and forth between CT drilling rig and jointed-pipe conventional drilling rigs, a process which results in significant down-time as one rig is moved out of the way, and another rig put in place.
Another disadvantage of CT drilling is the time consuming process of assembling a (bottom-hole-assembly (BHA)—the components at the end of the CT for drilling, testing, well servicing, etc.), and connecting the BHA to the end of the CT. Presently, this step is performed manually through the use of rotary tables and make-up/breakout equipment. In some instances, top drives are used but the CT injector and the top drive must be moved out of each others way, i.e., they cannot both be in line with the borehole. Not only does this process result in costly downtime, but it can also present safety hazards to the workers as they are required to manipulate heavy components manually.
In U.S. Publication 2004/0206551 there is disclosed a rig adapted to perform earth borehole operations using both CT and/or jointed-pipes, the CT injector and a top drive being mounted on the same mast, the CT injector being selectively moveable between a first position wherein the CT injector is in line with the mast of the rig and hence the earth borehole and a second position wherein the CT injector is out of line with the mast to allow operations using the top drive involving jointed pipe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising a base or substructure, a mast mounted on the base, a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough, and a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for connecting the tubing of a coiled tubing injector to a bottom hole assembly comprising a base or substructure; a mast mounted on the base; a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough; a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the coiled tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive; a rotary table mounted on the base, the rotary table being operable to engage and manipulate a first component of a bottom hole assembly, the top drive being operable to engage and manipulate a second component of a bottom hole assembly, the top drive and the rotary table being cooperatively operable to make up a complete bottom hole assembly, the coiled tubing injector being selectively operable to move coiled tubing through the opening in the top drive and into and out of engagement with the complete bottom hole assembly.
In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of performing earth borehole operations comprising: providing a base; providing a mast mounted on the base; providing a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive being operable to engage and manipulate components used in earth borehole operations, the top drive having an opening therethrough; providing a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the injector can be passed through the opening in the top drive; providing a rotary table mounted on said base; selectively using the top drive to engage and manipulate a component(s) used in earth borehole operations while the coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative; and selectively using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into the earth borehole while the top drive is substantially inoperative, the coiled tubing passing through the opening in the top drive.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of performing earth borehole operations comprising: providing a base; providing a mast mounted on the base; providing a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top driving being operable to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations, the top driving having an opening therethrough; providing a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the injector can pass through the opening in the top drive; using the top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations; and using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into said component through said opening in said top drive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring first to
Rotatably mounted on the platform 18 is a spool 28 upon which is wound a length of coiled tubing 30. Spool 28 can be rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise directions using a suitable drive assembly (not shown). Also located on platform 18 is an engine 27 and a hydraulic tank 29 for storage of hydraulic fluid used in operating the various hydraulic components of the apparatus, e.g., motors, hydraulic cylinders, etc. As is well known, most of the components of the apparatus can be operated hydraulically, electrically or, in some cases, pneumatically. The coiled tubing 30 extends up to a gooseneck or guide 32 supported in a well-known manner. The gooseneck 32 is attached to a coiled tubing injector 34 which, as shown in
As shown in
As seen in
It will be appreciated that when, as in the embodiment shown in
Turning now to
The present invention provides a universal rig which can selectively handle and run different types of pipe, coiled tubing, and other earth borehole equipment thereby eliminating the need for two rigs—one rig to use a top drive in the conventional manner and a separate coiled tubing injector unit to perform coiled tubing operations. Thus, in the embodiments shown in
Turning now to
With reference now to
Referring now to
As noted above, the apparatus of the present invention is universal in the sense that the same rig carries a coiled tubing injector to manipulate coiled tubing and a top drive to manipulate jointed pipe or other downhole components, the injector and the top drive being selectively, independently operable to perform their customary functions. Additionally, the universal nature of the apparatus of the present invention is attested to by the fact that when the top drive is being used to manipulate a downhole component, e.g., a string of pipe, such as casing, tubing, drill pipe, etc., the coiled tubing injector can be simultaneously used to inject coiled tubing through the top drive into the string of pipe to perform an operation as, for example, freeing the pipe string if it is stuck or to some other downhole operation.
The present invention also provides an efficient apparatus to cooperatively use the coiled tubing injector and the top drive. In this regard and referring to
Referring now to
As can be seen particularly with reference to
As noted above, the system of the present invention positions the coiled tubing injector in the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing issuing from the coiled tubing injector passes through the top drive. As further noted above, the coiled tubing need not move directly through any opening in the top drive but can move in slots or other openings along the side of the top drive. It is also contemplated that the top drive, albeit normally positioned below the coiled tubing injector, could be moved to one side or another in a lateral or transverse direction relative to the mast such that the coiled tubing injector remained in line with the wellbore while the top drive was out of alignment with the wellbore. Thus, the coiled tubing injector and the top drive could be temporarily in a side-by-side arrangement. This arrangement is particularly useful in relatively small rigs using relatively large diameter coiled tubing, e.g., 3″. It will be understood, as described above, that normally a lubricator (see
Referring now to
Switching mechanism 104 can be any one of well known switching mechanisms used in track conveying systems to selectively switch a trolley or similar conveying device moving along a first track system to a second track system. Such switching systems can be mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic, etc. It will also be appreciated that such switching mechanisms can be activated manually or automatically such that when, in this case, top drive 36 reaches a certain position, i.e., at the juncture or intersection of spur tracks 102 and mast tracks 100, the switching system has been set in an automatic mode to move the top drive from mast tracks 100 to spur tracks 102.
It is well known in the art that top drives used in oil and gas drilling and well servicing operations are commonly carried by a so-called integrated split block arrangement. In a split block arrangement, a frame having laterally spaced side members is provided with one or more sheaves on each of the spaced side members, each of the sheaves being connected by cables to a suitable crown block. The use of these split block arrangements reduces stack-up as is common in simple traveling block assemblies. Such a split block arrangement is ideally suited for use in the present invention to carry the top drive, the coiled tubing injector being positioned on a platform, cradle or the like which would rest on the top drive. In this manner, the split block assembly essentially forming part of the top drive, as described above, would act as an elevator for the coiled tubing injector. Typical of split block arrangements used in conjunction with top drives is the T75/T100 series of top drives manufactured and sold by TESCO Corporation as can be seen at www.tescocorp.com.
Referring now to
Side member 112 has attached thereto sheaves 130 and 132 while side member 110 has attached thereto sheaves 134 and 136. Cables 138, 140, 142 and 146 extend from sheaves 130, 132, 134 and 136, respectively, up to a crown block assembly (not shown) as is well known to those skilled in the art. Thus, by movement of the cables 138-146, frame F can be moved longitudinally along tracks 108 and 110 and hence longitudinally along the mast 10 formed by frame members 14. To this end, roller assemblies 160 and 162 are attached to side frame member 112, while roller assemblies 164 and 166 are attached to side frame 110. As shown, roller assemblies 160 and 162 engage track 108 while roller assemblies 164 and 166 engage track 109.
As shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
As seen particularly in
Coiled tubing injector 218 is mounted on a carrier frame shown generally as 224, carrier frame 224 comprising a pair of pillow blocks 226 and 228 which are operatively connected to frame members 204 and 206, respectively. Thus, as in the other embodiments described above, coiled tubing injector 218 by means of frame 224 can move longitudinally along mast 202 on suitable tracks or the like mounted to the frame members 204, 206. Coiled tubing injector 218 is secured to or rotatably mounted on a shaft 230, one end of which is received in pillow block 226, the other end being received in pillow block 228. In the case where coiled tubing injector 218 is fixedly secured to shaft 230, shaft 230 would be rotatably journaled in pillow blocks 226 and 228, suitable bearings being provided as is known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, if coiled tubing injector 218 is rotatably mounted on shaft 230, then shaft 230 could be fixedly secured in pillow blocks 226 and 228. In either event, coiled tubing injector 218 is pivotally secured to frame 224. In the embodiment shown, coiled tubing injector 218 is fixedly secured to shaft 230.
A pair of pistons/cylinder assemblies 232, 234, which can be hydraulic, are interconnected between coiled tubing injector 218 and pillow blocks 226 and 228, respectively. As can be seen, with respect to piston/cylinder assembly 232, piston rod 235 is pivotally connected at 236 by a clevis or other suitable connector to coiled tubing injector 218. The other end of the piston/cylinder assembly 232 is likewise pivotally connected as at 237 to pillow block 226 or for that matter any other portion of carrier frame 224 which is not rotatable or pivotable relative to mast 202. For example, if coiled tubing injector 218 was rotatably mounted on shaft 230 such that shaft 230 was fixedly secured in pillow blocks 226 and 228, then the piston/cylinder assemblies could be secured to shaft 230. As can be seen in
As can also be seen from
Suitable piston/cylinder assemblies useful in the embodiment described in
Referring now to
Turning now to
It will be appreciated that in the embodiment shown in
While two methods of pivoting coil tubing injector 218 have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other devices such as rotary actuators, gearing arrangements, winch systems, etc., can be employed.
The “carrier frame” on which coiled tubing injector 218 is pivotally mounted can comprise any assemblage of components which alone or together with other operating mechanisms will (a) allow coiled tubing injector 218 to be pivoted, and (b) allow coiled tubing injector 218 to be moved longitudinally along the mast.
As thus seen from the description above, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in a manner wherein only the top drive is operative, the coiled tubing injector being positioned, for example, at a point above the top drive, e.g., at the top of the mast adjacent the crown and being inoperative. Alternatively, the top drive can be moved to a lowered position on the mast, e.g., at or near the rotary table with the coiled tubing injector being carried by the top drive, the coiled tubing injector continuously injecting tubing into the earth borehole to perform a variety of operations. In this latter mode, the top drive is essentially inoperative save for the fact that it carries the coiled tubing injector and can still serve as an elevator for the coiled tubing injector. In any event all in embodiments, the coiled tubing injector, the top drive and the rotary table are on axes that are substantially coincident or can be made coincident with the wellbore.
The word “base” or “substructure” as used herein is intended to mean any structure, be it portable or fixed, whether on land or offshore, to which the mast can be fixedly, pivotally or removably attached, which will support the mast and the attendant equipment used in the apparatus of the present invention, including the coiled tubing spool, attendant motors, winches or draw works, and any other equipment commonly used either with (a) coiled tubing injectors, or (b) top drives.
The apparatus of the present invention can be used to accomplish numerous different earth borehole operations. In the case of employing the coiled tubing injector, the apparatus can be used to drill using downhole mud motors, such drilling being both directional and straight hole. Additionally, coiled tubing can be used in various completion operations such as fracturing; acidizing; cleanouts; fishing operations; using coiled tubing as a velocity string, etc. The coiled tubing can also be run as production tubing. With respect to typical top drive operations, conventional drilling can be done, casing can be run, and completion operations as described above with respect of coiled tubing can also be accomplished. Additionally, the top drive can be used to run conventional production tubing.
In general, the apparatus of the present invention permits every earth borehole operation that can be done in oil and gas well drilling using either a top drive or a coiled tubing unit.
A distinct advantage of the apparatus of the present invention when compared with prior art, so-called universal systems such as disclosed in U.S. Publication 2004/0206551, is the ability to perform simultaneous operations with both the coiled tubing injector and the top drive. In this regard, in the prior art universal systems it is necessary, when using the top drive, to move the coiled tubing injector laterally out of alignment from the borehole and vice versa. With the apparatus of the present invention, since the coiled tubing injector remains positioned in line with the top drive and the borehole, in the event, for example, that operations with the top drive are being performed, e.g., running casing, and the casing sticks, using the apparatus of the present invention, coiled tubing can be run down through the top drive into the casing to assist in freeing the casing. It will be apparent that other situations can occur where it would be necessary to quickly inject coiled tubing down through the top drive and through a tubular string or other downhole component being manipulated by the top drive to effect some downhole operation. This, of course, cannot be accomplished with the prior art, so-called universal systems since, as noted, only one of the top drive or the coiled tubing injector can be positioned in alignment with the wellbore at any given time.
In the above description, the word “mounted” has been used with respect to the interrelationship between various components of the apparatus as, for example, the relation of the mast to the top drive and/or the coiled tubing injector. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the word “mounted”, or variants thereof, in addition to its usual meaning, is intended to include meanings such as “positioned”, “positioned on”, “carried by”, “carried on”, “carried”, “sitting on”, “resting on”, or any other similar term. In other words, the word “mounted”, or variants thereof, is not necessarily limited to meaning “affixed”, “affixed to”, “attached to”, “attached”, “secured to” or other words or phrases carrying a similar meaning. Thus, for example, references in the description above to the coiled tubing injector being “mounted on the mast” are intended to include situations wherein the coiled tubing injector is positioned adjacent to the mast or positioned relative to the mast, all with the goal of achieving a scenario wherein the coiled tubing injector, when injecting coiled tubing, is above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive from a position above the top drive.
It will be understood, that the present invention is not limited to the use in oilfield operations but can be used in water well drilling, mining operations, in drilling injection wells, etc. Also, as noted above, the apparatus of the present invention is not limited to land earth borehole operations but can be used, as well, on offshore drilling and production platforms.
The foregoing description and examples illustrate selected embodiments of the present invention. In light thereof, variations and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, all of which are in the spirit and purview of this invention.
Claims
1. An apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising:
- a base;
- a mast mounted on said base;
- a top drive mounted on said mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough; and
- a coiled tubing injector mounted on said mast above said top drive such that coiled tubing from said tubing injector can pass through said opening in said top drive.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mast comprises first and second, spaced frame members, said top drive and said coiled tubing injector being mounted between said frame members.
3. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said top drive is slidably mounted on said mast.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said mast is provided with tracks and said top drive slides on said tracks.
5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said coiled tubing injector is carried by said top drive whereby movement of said top drive moves said coiled tubing injector longitudinally along said mast.
6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said top drive is moved longitudinally along said mast using a draw works.
7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said mast is provided with tracks and said top drive and said coiled tubing injector slide on said tracks.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said draw works is mounted on said base.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said draw works is mounted on said mast.
10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said apparatus further includes a rotary table mounted on said base.
11. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said coiled tubing injector is adapted to be selectively latched in a preselected position on said mast.
12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said base comprises a wheeled structure.
13. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said mast is pivotally secured to said base for movement to preselected angles ranging from horizontal to vertical and at any desired angle therebetween.
14. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said coiled tubing injector includes a lubricator for guiding coiled tubing, said lubricator telescoping to selectively allow access to said coiled tubing.
15. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said top drive and said coiled tubing injector are selectively operable, independent of one another, to perform earth borehole operations with jointed pipe or coiled tubing, respectively.
16. An apparatus for connecting the tubing of a coiled tubing injector to a bottom hole assembly comprising:
- a base;
- a mast mounted on said base;
- a top drive mounted on said mast for longitudinal movement therealong, said top drive having an opening therethrough;
- a coiled tubing injector mounted on said mast above said top drive such that coiled tubing from said coiled tubing injector can pass through said opening in said top drive; and
- a rotary table mounted on said base, said rotary table being operable to engage and manipulate a first component of a bottom hole assembly, said top drive being operable to engage and manipulate a second component of a bottom hole assembly, said top drive and said rotary table being cooperatively operable to make up a complete bottom hole assembly, said coiled tubing injector being selectively operable to move coiled tubing through said opening in said top drive into and out of engagement with said complete bottom hole assembly.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said mast comprises first and second, spaced frame members, said top drive and said coiled tubing injector being mounted between said frame members.
18. The apparatus of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein said top drive is slidably mounted on said mast.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said mast is provided with tracks and said top drive slides on said tracks.
20. The apparatus of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein said coiled tubing injectors carried by said top drive whereby said movement of said top drive moves said coiled tubing injector longitudinally along said mast.
21. The apparatus of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein said top drive is moved longitudinally along said mast using a draw works.
22. The apparatus of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein said mast is provided with tracks and said top drive and said coiled tubing injector slide on said tracks.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said draw works is mounted on said base.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said draw works is mounted on said mast.
25. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein said apparatus further includes a rotary table mounted on said base.
26. The apparatus of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein said coiled tubing injector is adapted to be selectively latched in a preselected position on said mast.
27. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein said base comprises a wheeled structure.
28. The apparatus of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein said mast is pivotally secured to said base for movement to preselected angles ranging from horizontal to vertical and at any desired angle therebetween.
29. The apparatus of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein said coiled tubing injector includes a lubricator for guiding coiled tubing, said lubricator telescoping to selectively allow access to said coiled tubing.
30. The apparatus of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein said top drive and said coiled tubing injector are selectively operable, independent of one another, to perform earth borehole operations with jointed pipe or coiled tubing, respectively.
31. A method of performing earth borehole operations comprising:
- providing a base;
- providing a mast mounted on said base;
- providing a top drive mounted on said mast for longitudinal movement therealong, said top drive being operable to engage and manipulate components used in earth borehole operations, said top drive having an opening therethrough;
- providing a coiled tubing injector mounted on said mast above said top drive such that coiled tubing from said injector can pass through said opening in said top drive;
- providing a rotary table on said base;
- selectively using said top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations while said coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative; and
- selectively using said coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into said earth borehole while said top drive is substantially inoperative, said coiled tubing passing through said opening in said top drive.
32. The method of claim 31, including engaging a first component of a bottom hole assembly by said rotary table.
33. The method of claim 31, including engaging a second component of a bottom hole assembly by said top drive.
34. The method of claim 33, comprising operating said rotary table and said top drive to connect said first and second components of said bottom hole assembly together.
35. The method of claim 34, comprising further operating said rotary table and said top drive to successively connect components of a bottom hole assembly to make up a complete bottom hole assembly.
36. The method of claim 35, comprising disengaging said top drive from said complete bottom hole assembly while suspending said complete bottom hole assembly from said rotary table.
37. The method of claim 36, comprising moving said coiled tubing injector to a position such that coiled tubing passing through said opening in said top drive can engage said complete bottom hole assembly.
38. The method of claim 37, comprising disengaging said rotary table from said bottom hole assembly whereby said complete bottom hole assembly can be lowered using said coiled tubing injector to perform earth borehole operations.
39. The method of claim 31, wherein said earth borehole operations comprise drilling with coiled tubing.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein said drilling comprises directional drilling.
41. The method of claim 31, wherein said earth borehole operations comprise drilling with conventional jointed drill pipe using said top drive.
42. The method of claim 31, where said drilling comprises directional drilling.
43. The method of claim 31, wherein said earth borehole operations comprise using coiled tubing in completion operations.
44. The method of claim 31, wherein said earth borehole operations comprise running coiled tubing as production tubing.
45. The method of claim 31, wherein said earth borehole operations comprise running casing using said top drive.
46. The method of claim 31, wherein said earth borehole operations comprise conducting completion operations using said top drive.
47. The method of claim 31, wherein said earth borehole operations comprise running production tubing using said top drive.
48. A method of performing earth borehole operations comprising:
- providing a base;
- providing a mast mounted on said base;
- providing a top drive mounted on said mast for longitudinal movement therealong, said top drive being operable to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations, said top drive having an opening therethrough;
- providing a coiled tubing injector mounted on said mast above said top drive such that coiled tubing from said injector can pass through said opening in said top drive;
- using said top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in earth borehole operations; and
- using said coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into said component through said opening in said top drive, while said top drive is manipulating said component.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein said component is a string of casing.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein said component is a string of tubing.
51. The method of claim 48, wherein said component is a string of drill pipe.
52. The apparatus of any of claims 1, 2, 16 or 17, wherein said top drive is moved longitudinally along said mast using a hydraulic cylinder system.
53. An apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising:
- a base;
- a mast mounted on said base;
- a coiled tubing injector mounted on said mast for longitudinal movement therealong;
- a top drive mounted on said mast for longitudinal movement therealong, said top drive being mounted below said coiled tubing injector, said top drive having a first position wherein said coiled tubing injector can pass through said top drive and a second position wherein coiled tubing from said coiled tubing injector can pass alongside said top drive.
54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein said mast comprises first and second, spaced frame members, said first and second spaced frame members being provided with first and second mast tracks extending longitudinally along said first and second frame members, said top drive being movable along said first and second tracks.
55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein there are first and second spur tracks operatively connected to said first and second mast tracks, respectively, said first and second spur tracks extending transversely to said first and second mast tracks, respectively, said top drive being movable from said mast tracks to said spur tracks.
56. The apparatus of claim 55, further including a switching mechanism to switch said top drive from said mast tracks to said spur tracks.
57. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said top drive is carried by a frame, said frame having a first side and a second side, said first side carrying a first roller assembly engaging said first mast track, said second side carrying a second roller assembly engaging said second mast track whereby said frame can move longitudinally along said mast tracks.
58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said top drive has a first frame position generally centrally of said frame between said first and second sides and a second frame position proximate one of said first and second sides.
59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein said top drive is suspended from said frame by first and second bails, said first and second bails being pivotally secured to said frame and to said top drive.
60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein there is a mechanical linkage between at least one of said first and second bails and said frame to effect pivoting of said at least one of said bails whereby said top drive is moved from said first to said second frame position.
61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein said mechanical linkage comprises a piston cylinder arrangement.
62. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said coiled tubing injector is mounted on a carrier frame, said carrier frame being longitudinally movable along said mast, said coiled tubing injector being pivotally mounted on said carrier frame whereby said coiled tubing injector can be moved from a first position to a second position.
63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein in said first position said coiled tubing injector is generally parallel to said mast and in said second position said coiled tubing injector is transverse to said mast.
64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein in said second position said coiled tubing is substantially perpendicular to said mast.
65. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said carrier frame includes a shaft, said coiled tubing injector being affixed to said shaft.
66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said mast comprises first and second spaced frame members and said carrier frame comprises a first pillow block operatively connected to said first frame member and a second pillow block operatively connected to said second frame member, said shaft being rotatably journaled in said first and second pillow blocks.
67. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein there is a first piston/cylinder assembly interconnecting said coiled tubing injector and a portion of said carrier frame which is not rotatable relative to said mast, said first piston/cylinder assembly being operative to move said coiled tubing injector from said first position to said second position.
68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein there is a second piston cylinder assembly interconnecting said coiled tubing injector and a second portion of said frame which is not rotatable relative to said mast.
69. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said carrier frame includes a shaft, such coiled tubing injector being rotatable on said shaft.
70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said mast comprises first and second spaced frame members and said carrier frame comprises a first pillow block operatively connected to said first frame member and a second pillow block operatively connected to said second frame member, said shaft being fixedly secured in said first and second pillow blocks.
71. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said coiled tubing injector is connected to a reel of coiled tubing by said coiled tubing, said reel being rotatable in a first direction to pivot said coiled tubing injector from said first position toward said second position, said reel being rotatable in a second direction to permit said coiled tubing injector to move from said second position to said first position.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 5, 2005
Publication Date: Oct 19, 2006
Inventor: Thomas Wood (Calgary)
Application Number: 11/198,475
International Classification: E21B 19/22 (20060101);