TUBULAR SLIP DEVICE HAVING NON-METALLIC MATERIALS AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A tubular slip device for supporting a tubular member comprises a plurality of slip segments connected to form a slip opening adapted for the tubular member. Each slip segment comprises a slip body made of a composite and/or a non-metallic material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/583,142, filed on Nov. 8, 2017, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

Embodiments described herein generally relate to tubular handling devices used for supporting tubular members in the field of oil and gas production. More particularly, embodiments relate to a tubular slip device and method of use.

Description of the Related Art

In the drilling for oil and gas, the tubular members utilized during drilling, completion and work over operations are required to be hung off at the drill floor. Multiple tubular members are connected together to form a tubular string. The tubular slip device generally used to secure the tubular string that is hung from the drill floor is referred to as a rotary slip or casing slip. The tubular slip devices include an apparatus capable of encircling the tubular member such as a drilling pipe or a casing segment. The tubular slip device typically has three slip segments with inserts attached to the slip segments for gripping onto the tubular member. The tubular slip device is placed into a slip bowl on a rotary table on the drill rig floor.

In the normal operation of the tubular slip device, the weight of the tubular member tends to wedge three slip segments radially into the slip bowl. Tooth-like projections on the inserts dig into the tubular member and the slip wedges are forced radially into the bowl to prevent the tubular member and tubular string from falling into the hole. With the tubular slip device securing the tubular member, making or breaking out on the rig floor of tubular member connections of the tubular string may be performed.

The tubular slip device used is typically a manual device. The tubular slip device is manually moved during each operation in which the tubular slip device is used to remove or add an additional tubular member to the tubular string. The slip wedges are manually carried by rig personnel and are manually inserted and removed from the slip bowl for each operation. Multiple rig personnel are typically used to carry and position the tubular slip device during each operation. The tubular slip device may need to support the weight of a tubular string that has a weight of up to 750 short tons, and may be made out of cast or forged steel. The tubular slip device may weigh in excess of 50 kg. Due to the heavy weight of the typical tubular slip device, multiple rig personnel may be used to carry and position the tubular slip device in order to limit the risk of injury to rig personnel when handling heavy equipment. Rig personnel may wear back support belts to help support their backs when carrying or handling tubular slip devices.

There is a need therefore for an improved tubular slip device and method that safely and efficiently allows movement of the tubular slip device by rig personnel.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure describe an apparatus and method for a slip device that supports a tubular member used for production of oil and gas.

In one embodiment, a tubular slip device for supporting a tubular member comprises a plurality of slip segments connected to form a slip opening adapted for the tubular member, each slip segment comprising a slip body made of a non-metallic material, the slip body comprises a top end and a bottom end; an outer face having an arcuate shape; and an inner face having an arcuate shape at least partially surrounding the slip opening; and a plurality of inserts attached to the inner face of the slip body in an attached position, and each insert comprises a front side adapted to grip the tubular member.

In one embodiment, a tubular slip device for supporting a tubular member comprises a plurality of slip segments connected to form a slip opening adapted for the tubular member, each slip segment comprising a slip body made of a composite material, the slip body comprises a top end and a bottom end; an outer face having an arcuate shape; and an inner face having an arcuate shape at least partially surrounding the slip opening; and a plurality of inserts attached to the inner face of the slip body in an attached position, and each insert comprises a front side adapted to grip the tubular member.

In one embodiment, a method of engaging a tubular member within a rotary table on a drill rig floor comprises providing a tubular slip device, the tubular slip device comprising a plurality of slip segments connected to form a slip opening adapted for the tubular member, each slip segment comprising a slip body made of a composite material, the slip body comprises a top end and a bottom end; an outer face having an arcuate shape; and an inner face having an arcuate shape at least partially surrounding the slip opening; and a plurality of inserts attached to the inner face of the slip body in an attached position, and each insert comprises a front side adapted to grip the tubular member; inserting a tubular member within the rotary table on the drill rig floor; inserting the tubular slip device into the rotary table; engaging the tubular slip device about the tubular member so that the plurality of inserts engage the tubular member, and wherein the tubular member is suspended from the rotary table so as to create a load; transferring the load of the tubular member to the plurality of inserts; and transferring the load of the plurality of inserts to each slip body of the plurality of slip segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tubular slip device engaging a tubular member within a slip bowl, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tubular slip device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a section of a laminate structure used to form the tubular slip device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular slip device taken from line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a first slip segment of the tubular slip device without inserts taken from line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an insert of the tubular slip device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the insert of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the insert taken from line A-A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the tubular slip device from FIG. 5 with the inserts disposed therein.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a slip segment, according to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tubular slip device engaging the tubular member.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the Figures. Additionally, elements of one embodiment may be advantageously adapted for utilization in other embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for supporting a tubular member from a rig floor. The tubular member may be part of a tubular string formed by a plurality of tubular members connected end-to-end. The tubular string may weigh in some embodiments up to 750 short tons. A tubular slip device is used to grip and support the tubular member and/or the tubular string. The tubular slip device is configured to fit into a slip bowl that fits within a rotary bushing and rotary table on the rig floor. The tubular slip device is made of a non-metallic material that provides support for the tubular member and/or the tubular string suspended from the tubular sip device. The tubular slip device is adapted to be lightweight while having sufficient structural strength to support the tubular member and/or the tubular string.

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tubular slip device 100 engaging a tubular member 10 within a slip bowl 12. The tubular slip device 100 is sometimes referred to as a rotary slip or casing slip. The tubular slip device 100 is configured to fit into the slip bowl 12 which in turn is set into a rotary bushing and rotary table 14 on the rig floor. This view shows the tubular slip device 100 in a closed position where the tubular slip device 100 engages the tubular member 10. The tubular slip device 100 is positioned to at least partially surround the tubular member 10 and a longitudinal axis 11 extending through the tubular member 10.

The tubular member 10 may form a section of a tubular string 17 that has a plurality of tubular members 10 connected end-to-end with one another. FIG. 1 shows the tubular member 10 and a lower tubular member 15 forming at least part of the tubular string 17. The load of the tubular member 10 and tubular string 17 causes the tubular slip device 100 to be lowered into the slip bowl 12. The slip bowl 12 includes a bowl inner wall 16 that is cylindrical in shape and that is tapered inwardly to a bottom section of the slip bowl 12.

The tubular slip device 100 includes a plurality of slip segments 102. Two slip segments 102 are shown in FIG. 1. Each slip segment 102 has a slip body 104. The slip body 104 has an outer face 106 having an arcuate shape and an inner face 110. The inner face 110 has an arcuate shape at least partially surrounding a slip opening 120 (shown in FIG. 2). The outer face 106 of the slip body 104 is tapered at an outer face angle that corresponds with the bowl inner wall angle. The slip body 104 has a wedge shape that is adapted to engage with the slip bowl 12.

The inner face 110 of each slip body 104 has a plurality of inserts 112 coupled thereto. The inserts 112 engage a tubular outer surface of the tubular member 10 when the tubular slip device 100 is lowered in the slip bowl 12. Due to the wedge shape of the slip body 104, the tubular slip device 100 engages the tubular member 10 when the load from tubular member 10 and/or the tubular string 17 apply a downward force to the tubular slip device 100. The tubular slip device 100 works in combination with the slip bowl 12 to suspend the tubular member 10 and the tubular string 17 from the rotary table 14, as depicted in FIG. 1.

The tubular slip device 100 can be formed out of a non-metallic material, a composite material, or a combination of non-metallic and composite materials. The tubular slip device 100 is configured to be lightweight. Because the tubular slip device 100 is lightweight, the tubular slip device 100 can be manually handled more easily by rig personnel. By using non-metallic materials, composite materials, or a combination of non-metallic materials and composite materials in selected components of the tubular slip device 100, the overall weight of the tubular slip device 100 may be reduced by eighty to ninety percent of a conventional tubular slip device made of metallic components.

A conventional tubular slip device having metallic components, including a slip body made of a metal material, and with conventional inserts attached to the conventional slip body may weigh 50 kg or more. In some embodiments, the tubular slip device 100 may have an overall weight in the weight range of 5 kg to 10 kg. The tubular slip device 100 has the benefit of being at a weight range that allows the tubular slip device 100 to be manually carried and/or positioned by one or two rig personnel with reduced risk of injury. The term “non-metallic” as used herein refers to materials other than metals, such metals including steel, aluminum, brass, iron, and/or metallic materials typically used for tubular slip devices 100 used to suspend tubulars from the rig floor.

In some embodiments of the tubular slip device 100, selected components of the tubular slip device 100 are made of non-metallic materials. In some embodiments, selected components of the tubular slip device 100 are made of composite materials with the composite materials having one or more layers made of a non-metallic material. In some embodiments, selected components of the tubular slip device 100 are made from a combination of non-metallic materials and composite materials having one or more layers of a non-metallic material.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tubular slip device 100 in an open position. The plurality of slip segments 102 includes a first slip segment 102-1, second slip segment 102-2, and third slip segment 102-3 that are assembled so that the second slip segment 102-2 is coupled to both the first slip segment 102-1 and the third slip segment 102-3. The slip segments 102 define a slip opening 120 sized for the tubular slip device 100 to at least partially extend around a circumference of the tubular member 10 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the tubular slip device 100 may include more than three slip segments 102. Each of the slip segments 102 has a similar though not necessarily completely equal design.

The slip body 104 of each slip segment 102 is similar. The first slip segment 102-1 has a first slip body 104-1, which is similar to the slip bodies of the second and third slip segments 102-2 and 102-3. The first slip body 104-1 has a top end 122 and a bottom end 124. The first slip body 104-1 has an inner wall 114 and an outer wall 116. The inner wall 114 extends from the top end 122 to the bottom end 124 of the first slip body 104-1. The outer wall 116 extends from the bottom end 124 towards the top end 122. In some embodiments, the outer wall 116 may extend to the top end 122 of the first slip body 104-1. Each slip segment 102 has on its inner face 110 a plurality of inserts 112. The first slip body 104-1 has a profile with a wedge-shaped contour and with the outer face 106 being tapered to the bottom end 124.

In some embodiments, the first slip body 104-1 is made of a plastic material. The plastic material may be engineering grade plastic to reduce the weight while maintaining sufficient structural strength for the tubular slip device 100 to withstand forces applied when suspending the tubular member 10. In some embodiments, the first slip body 104-1 is made of a composite material that has a plurality of materials to provide the first slip body 104-1 that is lightweight and that has the structural strength to withstand forces applied when the tubular slip device 100 is used to suspend the tubular member 10 and tubular string from the rig floor. In one embodiment, the composite material is a ceramic matrix composite material.

In another embodiment, the first slip body 104-1 is made of a fiber-reinforced material. The fiber-reinforced material may be a fiber-reinforced plastic. The fiber-reinforced plastic may use glass fibers with the plastic to form a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. The fiber-reinforced plastic may use carbon fibers with the plastic to form a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. In another embodiment, the first slip body 104-1 may be made of a fiber-reinforced metallic material that is lightweight. For example, the fiber-reinforced metallic material may be a glass-fiber-reinforced aluminum.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments the first slip body 104-1 may have a laminate structure 302 including a plurality of metallic layers 304 and a plurality of fiber layers 306. FIG. 3 shows one end of the laminate structure 302 in an exploded view where sections of the metallic layers 304 and the fiber layers 306 are separated from one another. Each metallic layer 304 has a metallic layer top surface 310 and a metallic layer bottom surface 312. Each fiber layer 306 has fiber layer top surface 314 and fiber layer bottom surface 316. The laminate structure 302 is formed by stacking the metallic layers 304 and the fiber layers 306 on top of one another so that one of the fiber layers 306 is disposed between two of the metallic layers 304. For example, the laminate structure 302 includes a first fiber layer 306-1 disposed between a first metallic layer 304-1 and a second metallic layer 304-2 so that the first metallic layer 304-1 overlies the first fiber layer 306-1, and the first fiber layer 306-1 overlies the second metallic layer 304-2. The laminate structure 302 further includes an adhesive material for securing each metallic layer 304 and each fiber layer 306. The adhesive material may form part of each of the fiber layers 306.

In some embodiments, the metallic layers 304 are entirely made of a metal material. In other embodiments, the metallic layers 304 are primarily made of metal. In some embodiments, the metallic layers 304 are made of aluminum. In some embodiments, the fiber layer 306 is made of glass fiber, carbon fiber, or a combination of glass fiber and carbon fiber. The metallic layers 304 and the fiber layers 306 may be formed of thin material sheets that are stacked to form the laminate structure 302 during manufacturing.

The laminate structure 302 may extend from the bottom end 124 to the top end 122 of the first slip body 104-1. For example, the metallic layers 304 and fiber layers 306 may be stacked from the bottom end 124 to the top end 122. In other embodiments, the laminate structure 302 of the first slip body 104-1 may have different orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis 11 (shown in FIG. 1) of the tubular slip device 100. In some embodiments, the first slip body 104-1 may be manufactured through a molding process to form the first slip body 104-1 having the laminate structure 302.

Referring back to FIG. 2, each slip segment 102 contains a handle member 126, with each handle member 126 being connected to the slip body 104 of one of the slip segments 102. The handle member 126 may be made of a metal or non-metallic material. The handle member 126 may be coupled to the slip body 104 with a pin and handle attachment member 128. In some embodiments, the handle attachment member 128 may be a cotter, as shown in FIG. 2, or in other embodiments may be a fastener such as a bolt or screw. The slip segments 102 are coupled together with an attachment assembly 130. The attachment assembly 130 includes a plurality of projections 132 that extend from the slip body 104 of each slip segment 102, as shown in FIG. 2. Each projection 132 includes a projection opening sized for placement of a hinge spring assembly 134.

For example, the slip body 104 of the first slip segment 102-1 includes a first pair of projections 132 that have projection openings therein and the second slip segment 102-2 includes a second pair of projections 132 that have projection openings therein. A hinge spring assembly 134 (which is also seen in FIG. 10) is adapted to extend through the projection openings for connection of the first slip segment 102-1 with the second slip segment 102-2. Likewise, the slip body 104 of the second slip segment 102-2 includes a third pair of projections 132 that have projection openings therein and the third slip segment 102-3 includes a fourth pair of projections 132 that have projection openings therein. The hinge spring assembly 134 is adapted to extend through the projection openings for connection of the second slip segment 102-2 with the third slip segment 102-3.

The inner wall 114 and the outer wall 116 are connected by a series of ribs 140. The series of ribs 140 extend from the inner wall 114 to the outer wall 116. A pair of adjacent ribs 140 define a vertical space 142 disposed between the pair of adjacent ribs 140 and within the slip body 104. By having the series of ribs 140, each slip body 104 has less material and is lighter, but the tubular slip device 100 retains the necessary strength and integrity for use in grasping and holding onto the tubular member 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the tubular slip device 100 without inserts 112 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) taken from line 4-4 of FIG. 2. It should be noted that like numbers appearing in the various figures refer to like components. FIG. 4 shows the tubular slip device 100 in a closed position where the first slip segment 102-1 and the third slip segment 102-3 have been rotated inwardly at the hinge spring assemblies 134. The inner face 110 of each slip segment 102 has a longitudinally disposed slot 144. Each slot 144 cooperates with the inserts 112 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) as further described below.

FIG. 4 also shows one of the ribs 140 connecting the inner wall 114 and the outer wall 116 of each slip segment 102, as previously noted. Each rib 140 includes a first rib section 140-1 and a second rib section 140-2. The first rib section 140-1 and the second rib section 140-2 are attached to an elongated support 146. One of the elongated supports 146 extends through the slip body 104 and separates the first rib section 140-1 and the second rib section 140-2 for each of the slip segments 102.

The first slip segment 102-1 is attached to the second slip segment 102-2 via one of the hinge spring assemblies 134 through the projections 132 of the first slip segment 102-1 and the projections 132 of the second slip segment 102-2. The third slip segment 102-3 is likewise attached to the second slip segment 102-2.

Referring now to FIG. 5, taken from line 5-5 of FIG. 4, a side sectional view of the first slip segment 102-1 without inserts 112 will now be described. FIG. 5 shows the elongated support 146 extending from the bottom end 124 to the handle attachment member 128 that is secured proximate the top end 122. The FIG. 5 shows the outer face 106 with an arcuate shape and tapering to the bottom end 124. The outer face 106 has a tapered section disposed between the top end 122 and the bottom end 124, and the tapered section tapers inwardly towards the bottom end 124. FIG. 5 also depicts the inner face 110 having an arcuate shape and the slot 144 extending longitudinally along the inner face 110. The inner face 110 extends to a bottom shelf 148 at one end and the inner face 110 extends to the top shelf 150 at the other end. The inner face 110 will have a plurality of ledges 152 disposed therein.

Each ledge 152 has an angled surface, which in one embodiment is between plus 20 degrees and minus 20 degrees, and in another embodiment is 10 degrees as denoted by the numeral 154 in FIG. 5. It should be noted that in another embodiment, the angle will be 0 degrees i.e. radially flat. The angle of the ledge 152 will cooperate with and be complementary to the angle of an insert lower shoulder 174 of one of the inserts 112 as shown in FIG. 6 that will rest thereon. It should be noted that each ledge 152 has a backside surface 156 disposed within slot 144. Further, it should be noted that while first slip segment 102-1 and its features are explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, all slip segments 102 (namely first slip segment 102-1, second slip segment 102-2, and third slip segment 102-3) will be of similar construction.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of one of the inserts 112 will now be described. The inserts 112 are made of a metallic material. In some embodiments, the inserts 112 may be made of non-metallic materials. Since the insert 112 is constructed to fit into the inner face 110 (shown in FIG. 5), the insert 112 is also of arcuate construction. The insert 112 has an arcuate front side 160 that is adapted to grip the tubular member 10 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the insert 112 has a gripping means such as a plurality of tooth-like projections 161 arranged in rows for engaging with the tubular member 10 (shown in FIG. 1).

The insert 112 has a top side 162 and a back side 164 having an arcuate shape, with the back side 164 containing a first surface 166 that extends to an insert upper shoulder 170 which in turn extends to the second surface 172. The second surface 172 concludes at the insert lower shoulder 174, with the insert lower shoulder 174 being angled between plus 20 degrees and minus 20 degrees. In one embodiment, the insert lower shoulder 174 is disposed at a 10 degree angle as denoted by the numeral 176 as seen in FIG. 5; as noted earlier, in some embodiments the insert lower shoulder 174 is 0 degrees, i.e. radially flat. The insert lower shoulder 174 extends to the third surface 180, with the third surface 180 concluding at the insert bottom end 182.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a back view of the insert 112 seen in FIG. 6 will now be described. Thus, the first surface 166 is shown extending to the second surface 172 along with the insert lower shoulder 174 that in turn extends to the third surface 180. FIGS. 6 and 7 also depict sides 184 and 186.

FIG. 8 depicts the bottom view of the insert 112 taken from line A-A of FIG. 6. This view shows the arcuate nature of the insert 112. For instance, the second surface 172 is shown arched. FIG. 8 also illustrates the arcuate front side 160 with tooth-like projections 161. The insert bottom end 182 of insert 112 is also shown. The side 184 extends to the first angled extension 190 and the side 186 extends to the second angled extension 192.

With reference to FIG. 9, the side view of the first slip segment 102-1 from FIG. 5 with the inserts 112 disposed therein will now be described. In particular, the insert lower shoulder 174 of insert 112 is abutting the ledge 152. Each insert 112 comprises a shoulder 174 engaged with one of the plurality of ledges 152 when in an attached position, as shown in FIG. 9, so as to secure the insert 112 to the slip body 104. Note that the insert lower shoulder 174, which has a 10 degree angle, cooperates with the 10 degree angle of the ledge 152. Also, the second surface 172 is up against the backside surface 156.

The bottom section “T” is seen in FIG. 9. A gap “G” prevents the load from transferring to shelf 194 so that toeing is prevented. In an alternative embodiment, the insert bottom end 182 would abut shelf 194 even though this is not shown in FIG. 9. In the event that a gap did not exist, prior art toeing would still be prevented since the load is being distributed along the entire length of the slip according to the teachings of this invention, i.e. the load is being distributed at ledges 152.

Referring to FIG. 10, a partially exploded view of a slip segment 1002 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The slip segment 1002 has a slip body 1004 having an inner face 1010 adapted for inserts 1012-1 through 1012-5, as discussed below. Attached to the slip segment 1002 is a hinge assembly 1034 and a handle member 1026.

The slip body 1004 has an outer face 1006 having an arcuate shape and an inner face 1010 having an arcuate shape. The outer face 1006 of the slip body 1004 is tapered at an angle that corresponds with the angle of the bowl inner wall 16 shown in FIG. 1. The slip segment 1002 has on its inner face 1010 a plurality of inserts 1012-1 through 1012-5. The slip body 1004 has a top end 1022 and a bottom end 1024. A plurality of radial channels 1017-1 through 1017-3 are formed in the inner face 1010. A top radial channel 1017-1, an intermediate radial channel 1017-2, and a bottom radial channel 1017-3 are formed in the inner face 1010.

A retainer ring 1018 is adapted to fit within the top radial channel 1017-1. A first load ring 1019-1 is adapted to fit within the intermediate radial channel 1017-2, and a second load ring 1019-2 is adapted to fit within the bottom radial channel 1017-3. Bolts 1021 are used to secure the retainer ring 1018 and the load rings 1019 within their respective radial channels 1017. The retainer ring 1018 and the second load ring 1019-2 are shown unassembled from the slip body 1004 to show the top radial channel 1017-1 and the bottom radial channel 1017-3, respectively. The bolts 1021 are used to attach the retainer ring 1018 and the load rings 1019 to the slip body 1004. The first load ring 1019-1 is shown attached to the slip body 1004 by the bolts 1021. The retainer ring 1018 and the second load ring 1019-2 are likewise attached to the slip body 1004 when in the assembled position.

A plurality of longitudinal channels 1035 are formed in the inner face 1010. The longitudinal channels 1035 extend between the retainer ring 1018 to the second load ring 1019-2 so that the longitudinal channels 1035 extend from a top portion to a bottom portion of the slip body 1004. Three longitudinal channels 1035 are provided on the inner face 1010 for the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. Other embodiments may include one to five longitudinal channels 1035 or a higher number of longitudinal channels 1035.

A first insert 1012-1 is shown in an unassembled position in FIG. 10 to better show a first longitudinal channel 1035-1. The first insert 1012-1 is adapted to fit in the first longitudinal channel 1035-1. Five inserts 1012 are shown in FIG. 10 for the first longitudinal channel 1035-1, and are adapted to fit end-to-end in the first longitudinal channel 1035-1. The five inserts 1012 include the first insert 1012-1, a second insert 1012-2, a third insert 1012-3, a fourth insert 1012-4, and fifth insert 1012-5. The first insert 1012-1 and the second insert 1012-2 are disposed in the first longitudinal channel 1035-1 so that they are stacked end-to-end, and secured between the retainer ring 1018 and the first load ring 1019-1. The third insert 1012-3, the fourth insert 1012-4, and the fifth insert 1012-5 are disposed in the first longitudinal channel 1035-1 so that they are stacked end-to-end, and secured between the first load ring 1019-1 and the second load ring 1019-2.

The first load ring 1019-1 provides axial load support for the inserts 1012 disposed above the first load ring 1019-1. The second load ring 1019-2 provides axial load support for the inserts 1012 disposed between the first load ring 1019-1 and the second load ring 1019-2. For example, an insert bottom surface 1013 of the fifth insert 1012-5 abuts against a top surface 1036 of the second load ring 1019-2. For example, the second load ring 1019-2 provides axial support for the third insert 1012-3, fourth insert 1012-4, and the fifth insert 1012-5. Likewise, the insert bottom surface 1013 of the second insert 1012-2 abuts against a top surface 1036 of the first load ring 1019-1 so as to provide axial support to the first insert 1012-1 and 1012-2. The inserts 1012 are supported in a similar manner as described above for the inserts 1012 in the three longitudinal channels 1035, and there are five rows of inserts 1012 with three inserts 1012 per row.

In some embodiments, the slip segment 1002 may have a plurality of load rings 1019, including more than the two load rings 1019 shown in FIG. 10. For example, the slip segment 1002 may include a separate load ring 1019 disposed below and adjacent each row of inserts 1012. The slip segment 1002, as shown in FIG. 10, would have five load rings 1019 for the embodiment providing a separate load ring 1019 for each row of inserts 1012.

FIG. 11 will now be described. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first slip segment 102-1 engaging a tubular member 10. The tubular member 10 is inserted into the rotary table 14 on the drill floor and the tubular slip device 100 is inserted into the rotary table 14, as shown in FIG. 1. The tooth-like projections 161 engage the first slip segment 102-1, as well as the second slip segment 102-2 and the third slip segment 102-3 (which are not shown in this view) thereby suspending the tubular member 10 from the rotary table 14 so as to create a load. The load of the tubular member 10 will be transferred from the tooth-like projections 161 of the inserts 112 to the insert lower shoulder 174 which in turn is transferred to the ledge 152 of the inner face 110 of first slip segment 102-1. The arrow 196 depicts the point where the load is transferred from the insert lower shoulder 174 to the ledge 152. In some embodiments, the insert bottom end 182 of the lowermost insert 112-1 also transfers the load to the bottom end 124 of the first slip segment 102-1 denoted by arrow 196.

In normal operations, an upper tubular member 26 may also be threadedly connected to the tubular member 10 via external threads 28 as will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. After threadedly connecting the tubular members 10 and the upper tubular member 26 to form the tubular string 17, the operator lifts the tubular string 17 and then removes the tubular slip device 100 from the rotary table 14 (shown in FIG. 1). The tubular string 17 is then lowered to the desired level. The tubular slip device 100 may again be inserted into the rotary table 14 as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A tubular slip device for supporting a tubular member, comprising:

a plurality of slip segments connected to form a slip opening adapted for the tubular member, each slip segment comprising a slip body made of a non-metallic material, the slip body comprises: a top end and a bottom end; an outer face having an arcuate shape; and an inner face having an arcuate shape at least partially surrounding the slip opening; and

a plurality of inserts attached to the inner face of the slip body in an attached position, and each insert comprises a front side adapted to grip the tubular member.

2. The tubular slip device of claim 1, wherein the slip body is made of a plastic material.

3. The tubular slip device of claim 1, wherein the slip body is made of a fiber-reinforced material.

4. The tubular slip device of claim 1, wherein the slip body is made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic.

5. The tubular slip device of claim 1, wherein the slip body is made of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic.

6. The tubular slip device of claim 1, wherein the slip body is made of a ceramic matrix composite material.

7. The tubular slip device of claim 1, wherein the inner face comprises a plurality of ledges, and wherein each insert comprises a shoulder engaged with one of the plurality of ledges when in the attached position so as to secure the insert to the slip body when a tubular member is supported.

8. The tubular slip device of claim 1, further comprising a load ring having an arcuate shape and an insert bottom surface, wherein the inner face includes a radial channel adapted for the load ring to fit within the radial channel, wherein the insert bottom surface of at least one of the plurality of inserts abuts against the load ring, and wherein the outer face has a tapered section disposed between the top end and the bottom end, and wherein the tapered section tapers inwardly towards the bottom end.

9. A tubular slip device for supporting a tubular member, comprising:

a plurality of slip segments connected to form a slip opening adapted for the tubular member, each slip segment comprising a slip body made of a composite material, the slip body comprises: a top end and a bottom end; an outer face having an arcuate shape; and an inner face having an arcuate shape at least partially surrounding the slip opening; and

a plurality of inserts attached to the inner face of the slip body in an attached position, and each insert comprises a front side adapted to grip the tubular member.

10. The tubular slip device of claim 9, wherein the slip body comprises a laminate structure, wherein the laminate structure comprises a plurality of metallic layers and a plurality of fiber layers.

11. The tubular slip device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of metallic layers comprises a first metallic layer and a second metallic layer and the plurality of fiber layers comprises a first fiber layer, and wherein the first fiber layer is disposed between the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer.

12. The tubular slip device of claim 11, further comprising an adhesive material for securing the first fiber layer to the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer.

13. The tubular slip device of claim 9, wherein the composite material is a fiber-reinforced material.

14. The tubular slip device of claim 13, wherein the fiber-reinforced material is a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic or a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic.

15. The tubular slip device of claim 9, wherein the composite material is a ceramic matrix composite material.

16. The tubular slip device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of inserts extend from the top end to the bottom end.

17. The tubular slip device of claim 9, wherein the inner face comprises a plurality of ledges, and wherein each insert comprises a shoulder engaged with one of the plurality of ledges when in the attached position so as to secure the insert to the slip body when a tubular member is supported.

18. The tubular slip device of claim 9, further comprising a load ring having an arcuate shape and an insert bottom surface, wherein the inner face includes a radial channel adapted for the load ring to fit within the radial channel, wherein the insert bottom surface of at least one of the plurality of inserts abuts against the load ring, and wherein the outer face has a tapered section disposed between the top end and the bottom end, and wherein the tapered section tapers inwardly towards the bottom end.

19. A method of engaging a tubular member within a rotary table on a drill rig floor comprising:

providing a tubular slip device, the tubular slip device comprising: a plurality of slip segments connected to form a slip opening adapted for the tubular member, each slip segment comprising a slip body made of a composite material, the slip body comprises: a top end and a bottom end; an outer face having an arcuate shape; and an inner face having an arcuate shape at least partially surrounding the slip opening; and a plurality of inserts attached to the inner face of the slip body in an attached position, and each insert comprises a front side adapted to grip the tubular member;

inserting a tubular member within the rotary table on the drill rig floor;

inserting the tubular slip device into the rotary table;

engaging the tubular slip device about the tubular member so that the plurality of inserts engage the tubular member, and wherein the tubular member is suspended from the rotary table so as to create a load;

transferring the load of the tubular member to the plurality of inserts; and

transferring the load of the plurality of inserts to each slip body of the plurality of slip segments.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the slip body has a laminate structure comprising a plurality of metallic layers made of a metallic material and a plurality of fiber layers.