WORK OVER PLATFORM APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a work over platform apparatus and method for use with trenches and cellars. The apparatus includes two platform portions joined at the center by a set of hinges. The set of hinges is divided to allow for cutouts in each of the platform portions. When deployed the cutout portions are aligned to form an opening that allows work personnel to access the cellar through the work over platform. The work over platform may be collapsed along its hinges for compact transport to and from a work site. The method includes deploying, using, and collapsing the apparatus.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to oil field maintenance, and specifically to a portable working platform for performing maintenance on production oil wells equipped with a containment cellar.

2. Description of the Related Art

Work over platforms are used in maintenance operations for production wells. Typically, production facilities are located below grade with well heads that protrude from the ground into a subsurface containment cellar. Often, drilling or development platforms are placed over the cellar to provide a working surface for vehicles, equipment, and personnel during maintenance or work over operations. Drilling platforms used in work overs typically weigh between 80,000 and 100,000 pounds (36.4 to 45.5 metric tons) and must be transported to the oil well cellar in pieces.

During work over operations, the drilling platform pieces are transported to the worksite on multiple flatbed trailers, offloaded, and assembled to form a completed platform that is then placed over the oil well cellar using a heavy duty crane. The completed platform includes an opening that is aligned with the well head to allow access for the work over equipment and personnel. One or more ramps are attached to the platform so that equipment trucks may drive onto the platform to position equipment for the well work over operation, and rails may be used to restrict access to the platform. Due to the size and weight of the drilling platform, the assembly may take one to two days, and disassembly requires a similar length of time. Work over operations may be completed in as little as one day.

A shortcoming of typical oil well work over platforms is that they are extremely large and heavy. The former drilling or development well platforms are difficult to manipulate and heavy, often requiring extensive crane time and costs for installation and removal, and a crane rated for handling a platform.

Another shortcoming of existing oil well work over platforms is that they are bulky, requiring disassembly into multiple segments for transportation on multiple semi-trailer trucks. When multiple well heads are arranged together at a job site, the bulk of the drilling platform prevents work over operations from taking place on adjacent well simultaneously.

Another shortcoming of existing oil well work over platforms is that they require extensive assembly and disassembly for installation and removal, which can take a day to set up and a day to breakdown. All of this assembly and disassembly time is consumed for a work over project that typically takes only one to two days.

Another shortcoming of existing oil well work over platforms is that they only provide limited approaches to the platform, often because vehicles must travel up a ramp to get onto the platform.

What is needed is a work over platform that can be transported and installed preassembled and removed without disassembling the platform, while being portable enough for transport on a single flatbed trailer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In aspects, the present disclosure is related to an apparatus and method for performing work over operations on an oil well, specifically a work over platform and its use.

One embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a work over platform apparatus for installation over a trench, such as an oil field cellar, comprising: a platform including a first portion having a first cutout; a second portion having a second cutout; and a hinge system disposed between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first cutout and the second cutout form an opening through the platform when the first portion and the second portion are aligned to form a planar surface. The hinge system may include a first hinge disposed on one side of the opening; and a second hinge disposed on the other side of the opening. The platform may be collapsible along the hinge system. The apparatus may include a cover disposed over the hinges and configured to allow movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The first and second portions may be polygonal in shape when the first portion and the second portion form a planar surface. One or more of the polygonal side may include one or more attachment plates for coupling equipment or an outrigger. The opening may have a center that is offset from a center of the platform. The first and second cutouts may have their own doors or covers to block at least part of the opening. When folded, the apparatus can be transported on a commercial flatbed trailer.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a method of using a work over platform on a trench, the work over platform including a first portion having a first cutout; a second portion having a second cutout; and a hinge system disposed between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first cutout and the second cutout form an opening through the platform when the first portion and the second portion are aligned to form a planar surface; the method including the steps of: moving the hinge system to an open position to form the opening; locking the hinge system into the open position; positioning the opening over a well head in the trench; unlocking the hinge system; and moving the hinge system into a closed position. The method may also include the steps of: transporting the platform to a work site in the closed position; positioning the work platform over the trench; and lifting the platform in the closed position onto a transport vehicle. The method may also include the steps of: inserting safety rails around part of a perimeter of the platform; removing the safety rails from around the part of a perimeter of the platform; and transporting the platform off of the work site. The method may also include the steps of: connecting an outrigger to the platform; and disconnecting the outrigger from the platform. The method may also include the step of conducting work over operations on the well head. The closed position of the platform may be when the first and second portions are parallel and facing one another. The locking step may include inserting a locking pin into a locking mechanism coupled to the hinge system, and wherein unlocking the hinge system comprises removing a locking pin from the locking mechanism coupled to the hinge system.

Examples of the more important features of the disclosure have been summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the contributions they represent to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a detailed understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given like numerals, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of a work over platform with a circular opening in the fully open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 1 in the fully collapsed position;

FIG. 2B shows a top view of the work over platform of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows a side view diagram of a hinge from FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D shows a diagram of the locking mechanism with locking pin form the work over platform of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of another work over platform with a rectangular opening in the fully open position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of one portion of the work over platform of FIG. 3 showing the topside of the portion;

FIG. 4B shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform portion from FIG. 4A flipped to show the bottom side of the portion;

FIG. 5 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 3 with an outrigger attached;

FIG. 6A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 3 disposed over an oil well cellar flow chart and supporting work over equipment; and

FIG. 6B shows a top view diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of another work over platform with a rectangular opening in the fully open position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart for a method of operating the work over platforms of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, the present disclosure relates to oil field maintenance. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a portable working platform for performing maintenance on production oil wells equipped with a containment cellar

There are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the present disclosure with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to that illustrated and described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a work over platform apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 may include a first portion 110 and a second portion 115. In some embodiments, the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 are symmetrical with one another. The first portion 110 includes a top working surface 120 with a cutout section 130. In one embodiment, the cutout section 130 is shown as a half circle. The second portion 115 also includes a top working surface 125 with a cutout section 135. The cutout sections 130, 135 are configured to complement one another and form an opening 170 through the apparatus 100 when the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 are aligned to form a planar surface. In some embodiments, the planar surface may be defined by the top working surface 120 of the first portion 110 and the top working surface 125 of the second portion 115. The opening 170 may be in the center of the apparatus 100 or offset.

The apparatus 100 includes a hinge system attached to and between the first portion 110 and the second portion 115. The hinge system includes a first hinge 140 and may include an optional second hinge 145. When the first hinge 140 and the second hinge 145 are present, they are disposed or positioned opposite one another on either side of the center of the opening 170. The first hinge 140 is shown as shorter in length than the second hinge 145; however, the first hinge 140 and the second hinge 145 may be the same or different lengths. The varying lengths of the hinges 140, 145 may depend on whether the opening 170 is in the center of the apparatus 100 or offset. While the hinges 140, 145 are shown extending from an edge of the opening 170 to an edge of the combine portions 110, 115, it is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, one or both of the hinges 140, 145 may not extend to full distance between the edge of the opening 170 and the respective edge of the combined portion 110, 115. Locking mechanism 175 may be disposed on the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 adjacent to the hinges 140, 145 and configured to receive a pin to lock the hinges 140, 145 in an open position when the apparatus 100 is deployed. When the locking mechanism 175 is engaged, the apparatus 100 is prevented from closing during repositioning, thus mitigating the risk of the apparatus closing along the hinges 140, 145 inadvertently. The apparatus 100 is shown as octagonal in shape to provide multiple access faces 165 for work vehicles to approach the apparatus 100 during work over operations; however, the apparatus 100 is not limited to an octagonal form. When the opening 170 is offset from the center of the apparatus 100, the access faces 165 provide different distances between the edges of the top layers 120, 125 and the opening 170, which provides flexibility to the user for controlling the distances between vehicles or structures adjacent to the apparatus 100 and the opening 170. This means that adjusting the placement of the apparatus 100 relative to a well head can avoid a situation where a vehicle has to be parked on the apparatus 100 in order for equipment to be operated or offloaded to reach the opening 170. Rectangular, hexagonal, and other polygonal shapes may be used as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

Each of the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 include the top layer 120, 125, which may be supported by multiple layers constructed of materials to support work over equipment, work over stresses, and personnel on the apparatus 100. Correspondingly, the hinges 140 and 145 are also constructed of materials designed to endure the same conditions. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be constructed to support at least 200,000 pounds (90.9 metric tons) in order to support the weight of equipment, pull stresses for moving tubulars through a well head, and personnel. In some embodiments, the designed weight supported by apparatus 100 may be increased or decreased based on the desired application.

As shown, each of the portions 110, 115 may include a bottom layer 150 and one or more intermediate layers 155. The layers 110, 115, 150, 155, 160 may be supported by vertical members 160 to provide structural strength. While the top layers 120, 125 may be substantially continuous to prevent equipment or personnel from falling through the apparatus 100, the one or more intermediate layers 155 and the bottom layer 150 may be continuous surfaces or include open areas to reduce the overall mass of the apparatus 100. Substantially continuous surfaces include solid surface and grillwork, which allows airflow but prevents persons and hand tools from falling through. In some embodiments, the layers 110, 115, 150, 155 and the vertical members 160 may be constructed of steel; however, it is contemplated that any sufficiently strong materials to provide the structural strength required is suitable, as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

FIG. 2A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the apparatus 100 in a folded or collapsed position. The apparatus 100 may be collapsed for ease of transport to and from the work site. The bottom layer 150 is shown without having a continuous surface to reduce weight of the apparatus 100. The structure of the hinges 140, 145 can be seen in this view. The hinge 140 may include a leaf or hinge plate 210a, a hinge plate 210b, a set of knuckles 220a, and a set of knuckles 220b. The hinge plate 210a may be welded to the set of knuckles 220a or the hinge plate 210a and the set of knuckles 220a may be formed from a single piece of metal. The hinge plate 210b may be welded to the set of knuckles 220b or the hinge plate 210b and the set of knuckles 220b may be formed from a single piece of metal. The sets of knuckles 220a, 220b may be spaced such that they may interlace to form a barrel 240. The barrel 240 may include a pin 230 to secure the two sets of knuckles 220a, 220b. The hinge plate 210a may be connected to the first portion 110, and the hinge plate 210b may be connected to the second portion 115. The hinge 145 may be similar in structure with a leaf or hinge plate 215a, a hinge plate 215b, a set of knuckles 225a, and a set of knuckles 225b. The hinge plate 215a may be welded to the set of knuckles 225a or the hinge plate 215a and the set of knuckles 225a may be formed from a single piece of metal. The hinge plate 215b may be welded to the set of knuckles 225b or the hinge plate 215b and the set of knuckles 225b may be formed from a single piece of metal. The sets of knuckles 225a, 225b may be spaced such that they may interlace to form a barrel 245. The barrel 245 may include a pin 235 to secure the two sets of knuckles 225a, 225b. The hinge plate 215a may be connected to the first portion 110, and the hinge plate 215b may be connected to the second portion 115. FIG. 2B shows a top view of the apparatus 100.

FIG. 2C shows a side view diagram of the hinge 140 with the barrel 240 reinforced by a support 250. FIG. 2D shows a diagram of the locking mechanism 175 with the locking pin 260 in the locked position.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of another work over platform apparatus 300 with a rectangular opening 370. Similar to the apparatus 100, the apparatus 300 includes a first portion 310 and a second portion 315, though of different shapes from the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 to provide a differently shaped opening 370. In some embodiments, the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 are symmetrical with one another. The first portion 310 includes a top working surface 320 with a cutout section 330. The cutout section 330 is shown as a rectangle. The second portion 315 also includes a top working surface 325 with a cutout section 335. The cutout sections 330, 335 are configured to complement one another and form the opening 370 through the apparatus 300 when the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 are aligned to form a planar surface. In some embodiments, the planar surface may be defined by the top working surface 320 of the first portion 310 and the top working surface 325 of the second portion 315. The opening 370 may be in the center of the apparatus 300 or offset. One or more doors 380, 385 may be disposed along the cutout sections 330, 335. The doors 380, 385 may be opened or closed as desired. In the closed position, the doors 380, 385 may completely cover the opening 370. The doors 380, 385 may be connected to the first portion 310 and the second portion 315, respectively, with hinges (see FIG. 4A). As shown, each of the doors 380, 385 is made up of sets of three doors that may be opened or closed independently. This is exemplary and illustrative only, as any number of doors may be used with the apparatus 300. Further, while not shown in FIG. 1, half-moon or half circle doors may be mounted to the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 in some embodiments.

The apparatus 300 includes a hinge system attached to and between the first portion 310 and the second portion 315. The hinge system, shown on FIG. 4A, includes a first hinge 340 and may include an optional second hinge 345. When the first hinge 340 and the second hinge 345 are present, they are disposed or positioned opposite one another on either side of the center of the opening 370. The first hinge 340 is shown as shorter in length than the second hinge 345; however, the first hinge 340 and the second hinge 345 may be the same or different lengths. The varying lengths of the hinges 340, 345 may depend on whether the opening 370 is in the center of the apparatus 300 or offset. While the hinges 340, 345 are shown extending from an edge of the opening 370 to an edge of the combine portions 310, 315, it is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, one or both of the hinges 340, 345 may not extend to full distance between the edge of the opening 370 and the respective edge of the combined portion 310, 315. In some embodiments, the hinges 340, 345 may include the same arrangement of components as the hinges 140, 145. The hinges 340, 345 may be covered by protective covers 396, 398 when the apparatus 300 is in an open position with the portions 340, 345 lying flat. In some embodiments, the protective covers 396, 398 must be removed before the apparatus 300 is moved into a closed position with the portions 340, 345. In some embodiments, the protective cover 396, 398 may be made of segmented metal to allow flexing during the deployment and collapse of the apparatus 300. The protective cover 396, 398 may be configured and include materials to protect personnel working above the hinges 340, 345 to reduce the chance of tripping or equipment falling into the or below the hinges 340, 345.

Locking mechanism 375 may be disposed on the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 adjacent to the hinges 340, 345 and configured to receive a locking pin 260, just as the locking mechanism 175 to lock the hinges 340, 345 in an open position when the apparatus 300 is deployed. When the locking mechanism 375 is engaged, the apparatus 300 is prevented from closing during repositioning, thus mitigating the risk of the apparatus closing along the hinges 340, 345 inadvertently. The apparatus 300 is shown as octagonal in shape to provide multiple access faces 365 for work vehicles to approach the apparatus 300 during work over operations; however, the apparatus 300 is not limited to an octagonal form. As with the opening 170 in the apparatus 100, when the opening 370 is offset from the center of the apparatus 300, the access faces 365 provide different distances between the edges of the top layers 320, 325 and the opening 370, which provides flexibility to the user for controlling the distances between vehicles or structures adjacent to the apparatus 300 and the opening 370. This means that adjusting the placement of the apparatus 300 relative to a well head can avoid a situation where a vehicle has to be parked on the apparatus 300 in order for equipment to be operated or offloaded to reach the opening 370. Rectangular, hexagonal, and other polygonal shapes may be used as would be understood by a person of skill in the art. One or more of the access faces 365 may include attachment plates 390. The attachment plate 390 may act as a connection point for equipment, including an outrigger (see FIG. 5) and equipment used in conjunction with the apparatus 300.

Each of the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 include the top layer 320, 325, which may be supported by multiple layers constructed of materials to support work over equipment, work over stresses, and personnel on the apparatus 300. Correspondingly, the hinges 340, 345 are also constructed of materials designed to endure the same conditions. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 may be constructed to support at least 200,000 pounds (90.9 metric tons) in order to support the weight of equipment, pull stresses for moving tubulars through a well head, and personnel. In some embodiments, the designed weight supported by apparatus 100 may be increased or decreased based on the desired application.

As shown, each of the portions 310, 315 may include a bottom layer 350 and one or more intermediate layers 355. The layers 310, 315, 350, 355, 360 may be supported by vertical members 360 to provide structural strength. While the top layers 320, 325 may be substantially continuous to prevent equipment or personnel from falling through the apparatus 300, the one or more intermediate layers 355 and the bottom layer 350 may be continuous surfaces or include open areas to reduce the overall mass of the apparatus 300. Substantially continuous surfaces include solid surface and grillwork, which allows airflow but prevents persons and hand tools from falling through. In some embodiments, the layers 310, 315, 350, 355 and the vertical members 360 may be constructed of steel; however, it is contemplated that any sufficiently strong materials to provide the structural strength required is suitable, as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

FIG. 4A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the first portion 310 with the top surface 320 facing up from FIG. 3. With the doors 330 removed, the hinges 333 for attaching the doors 330 can be seen. In some embodiments, the doors 380, 385 and hinges 333 are optional. FIG. 4B shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the first portion 310 with the bottom layer 350 up to show the superstructure.

FIG. 5 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of a system 500 including the work over platform apparatus 300 with removable railing 560 surrounding the perimeter of the apparatus 300. The railing 560 is removable in sections to allow equipment to be loaded onto the apparatus 300 while limiting access to the top layers 320, 325. The work over platform apparatus 300 is also shown with an outrigger 510. The outrigger 510 is shown with a tubular body 520 that has an attachment plate 530 that can be connected to one of the attachment plates 390. As shown, the outrigger 510 has two attachment plates 530 that connect to two attachment plates 390 on the face 365; however, this is illustrative and exemplary, as one or more attachment plate combinations 390, 530 may be used to connect the outrigger 510 to the apparatus 300. The outrigger 510 may include multiple tubular segments 540 that fit inside of the tubular body 520 in a telescopic fashion. The end tubular segments 540 may be attached to a counter weight foot pad 550 on each side to provide ground contact between the outrigger 510 and the surface of the ground.

FIG. 6A shows a system 600 with the work over platform apparatus 300 deployed in situ with an outrigger 510. The apparatus 300 is deployed with the hinges 340, 345 perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of a trench or cellar 610 containing one or more well heads 650 for subterranean wells. The outrigger 510 is attached to the apparatus 300 and positioned so that the foot pads 550 are on the ground or surface on opposite sides of the cellar 610. A vehicle 620 is shown backed up to one of the faces 165 such that working equipment 630, such as a work over rig, may be deployed over the surface of the apparatus 300. As shown, the working equipment 630 is supported by the apparatus 300. The working equipment 630 may have extendable stabilizers 640 to make contact with the apparatus 300 and support the working equipment 630. Besides the foot pads 550, the outrigger 510 may include additional tie down points or pads for attaching securing lines from the working equipment 630. In some embodiments, the outrigger 510 may enhance the stability of the apparatus 300.

FIG. 6B shows a top view of the apparatus 300 as depicted in FIG. 6A. The outrigger 510 may include one or more intermediate foot pads 660 to distribute the weight of the outrigger 510 and to provide a greater range of attachment points for the working equipment 630. When part of the cellar 610 has a cover 680, it may be possible for one or more of the intermediate foot pads 660 to rest on the cover 680. As shown, securing lines 670 are attached between the working equipment 630 and the intermediate foot pads 660. In some embodiments, the securing lines 670 may be attached between the working equipment 630 and the foot pads 550 either in addition to or in the alternative to the securing lines 670 between the working equipment 630 and the intermediate foot pads 660.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of another work over platform apparatus 700 with a rectangular opening 770. Similar to the apparatuses 100 and 300, the apparatus 700 includes a first portion 710 and a second portion 715, though of different shapes from the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 to provide a differently shaped opening 770. In some embodiments, the first portion 710 and the second portion 715 are symmetrical with one another. The first portion 710 includes a top working surface 720 with a cutout section 730. The cutout section 730 is shown as a rectangle that is more elongated than the opening 370. The second portion 715 also includes a top working surface 725 with a cutout section 735. The cutout sections 730, 735 are configured to complement one another and form the opening 770 through the apparatus 700 when the first portion 710 and the second portion 715 are aligned to form a planar surface. In some embodiments, the planar surface may be defined by the top working surface 720 of the first portion 710 and the top working surface 725 of the second portion 715. The opening 770 may be in the center of the apparatus 700 or offset. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the opening 770 may be offset such that only the first portion 710 has a cutout 730, and that cutout 735 is not present in the second portion 715. This single cutout concept may be applied to the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 300 as well. The first portion may include openings 780 configured to receive fasteners for one or more covers (not shown) that can block part of the opening 770. Similarly, the second portion 715 may include openings 785 configured to receive fasteners for one or more covers (not shown) that can block a part of the opening 770. In some embodiments, the opening 770 may be completely blocked when all of the covers are in place. The covers may be in place or removed as desired to control the degree of access through the apparatus 700.

The apparatus 700 includes a hinge system attached to and between the first portion 710 and the second portion 715. The hinge system, shown on FIG. 4A, includes a first hinge 740 and may include an optional second hinge 745. When the first hinge 740 and the second hinge 745 are present, they are disposed or positioned opposite one another on either side of the center of the opening 770. The first hinge 740 is shown as shorter in length than the second hinge 745; however, the first hinge 740 and the second hinge 745 may be the same or different lengths. The varying lengths of the hinges 740, 745 may depend on whether the opening 770 is in the center of the apparatus 700 or offset. While the hinges 740, 745 are shown extending from an edge of the opening 770 to an edge of the combine portions 710, 715, it is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, one or both of the hinges 740, 745 may not extend to full distance between the edge of the opening 770 and the respective edge of the combined portion 710, 715. In some embodiments, the hinges 740, 745 may include the same arrangement of components as the hinges 140, 145. The hinges 740, 745 may be covered by protective covers similar to the protective covers 396, 398 when the apparatus 700 is in an open position with the portions 740, 745 lying flat.

Locking mechanism 775 may be disposed on the first portion 710 and the second portion 715 adjacent to the hinges 740, 745 and configured to receive a locking pin 260, just as the locking mechanism 175 to lock the hinges 740, 745 in an open position when the apparatus 700 is deployed. When the locking mechanism 775 is engaged, the apparatus 700 is prevented from closing during repositioning, thus mitigating the risk of the apparatus closing along the hinges 740, 745 inadvertently. Lifting lugs (or similar attaching means) 795 are provided around the perimeter of the first portion 710 and the second portion 715 to provide connection locations for a crane to reposition or otherwise move the apparatus 700. These lifting lugs 795 may be used with the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 300 as well. The apparatus 700 is shown as octagonal in shape to provide multiple access faces 765 for work vehicles to approach the apparatus 700 during work over operations; however, the apparatus 700 is not limited to an octagonal form. As with the openings 170, 370 in the apparatuses 100, 300, respectively, when the opening 770 is offset from the center of the apparatus 700, the access faces 765 provide different distances between the edges of the top layers 720, 725 and the opening 770, which provides flexibility to the user for controlling the distances between vehicles or structures adjacent to the apparatus 700 and the opening 770. This means that adjusting the placement of the apparatus 700 relative to a well head can avoid a situation where a vehicle has to be parked on the apparatus 700 in order for equipment to be operated or offloaded to reach the opening 770. One or more of the access faces 765 may include attachment plates 790. The attachment plate 790 may act as a connection point for equipment, including an outrigger (see FIG. 5) and equipment used in conjunction with the apparatus 700.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 may be constructed to support at least 200,000 pounds (90.9 metric tons) in order to support the weight of equipment, pull stresses for moving tubulars through a well head, and personnel. In some embodiments, the designed weight supported by apparatus 100 may be increased or decreased based on the desired application. As shown, each of the portions 710, 715 may include bottom layers 350, intermediate layers 355, and vertical layers 360 as shown for the apparatus 300. 755.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a method 800 for conducting a work over operation using the work over platform apparatus 300. In step 805, the apparatus 300 may be transported to a work site using a vehicle. Due to the compact size and light weight of the apparatus 300, the transportation to the work site may be accomplished by a single vehicle, such as a flatbed trailer truck. In step 810, the apparatus 300 may be offloaded from the vehicle using a single lifting device, such as a crane. The lifting operation moves the apparatus 300 as a single unit into position to straddle the cellar 610. In step 815, the hinges 340, 345 may be opened to the fully open position so that both the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 lay flat across the cellar 610. In step 820, the hinges 340, 345 may be locked to an open position by inserting a locking pin 260 into the locking mechanism 375. In step 825, the apparatus 300 may be moved to align the opening 370 over a well head or other desired work area in the cellar 610. If the initial placement of the apparatus in step 810 is acceptable for the work over operation, then step 825 may be optional. In step 830, the safety rails 560 may be inserted in one or more positions along the perimeter of the apparatus 300. In some embodiments, at least one face 365 will be left open to provide easy access onto the top layer 320, 325 of the apparatus 300. In step 835, the outrigger 510 may be optionally attached to the apparatus 300 by connecting one or more attachment plates 390 on the apparatus 300 to one or more corresponding attachment plates 530 on the outrigger 510. In some embodiments, steps 830 and 835 may occur in different order or at the same time. In step 840, the apparatus 300 supports equipment, personnel, and work over operations for the well. When the opening 370 is not in use, the doors 380, 385 (if so equipped) maybe placed in the closed position if desired. In step 845, after the completion of the work over operation, the outrigger 510 may be disconnected from the apparatus 300. In step 850, the apparatus 300 may be repositioned over a next well head. In step 855, the outrigger 510 may be reconnected to the apparatus 300. In step 860, the apparatus 300 supports equipment, personnel and work over operations for the next well. In step 865, the outrigger 510 may be disconnected from the apparatus 300. In some embodiments, steps 850-865 maybe repeated for additional well heads. In some embodiments, steps 850-865 are optional. In step 870, the safety rails 560 may be removed. In step 875, the locking pin 260 is removed from the locking mechanism 375. In step 880, the apparatus 300 is moved to a closed position by closing the hinges 340, 345 until the top layer 320 of the first portion 310 and the top layer 325 of the second portion 315 are facing each other. In some embodiments, the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 are parallel when the platform 300 is in the closed position. In step 885, the apparatus 300 may be loaded onto a transport vehicle using a single crane or other lifting equipment. In step 890, the transport vehicle may move the apparatus 300 away from the work site. Method 800 may also be conducted using the apparatus 100 or the apparatus 700.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it would be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A work over platform apparatus for installation over a trench, comprising:

a platform comprising a first portion having a first cutout; a second portion having a second cutout; and a hinge system disposed between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first cutout and the second cutout form an opening through the platform when the first portion and the second portion are aligned to form a planar surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hinge system comprises:

a first hinge disposed on one side of the opening; and

a second hinge disposed on the other side of the opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform is collapsible along the hinge system.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a cover disposed over the hinges and configured to allow movement of the first portion relative to the second portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion and second portion are polygonal in shape when the first portion and the second portion form a planar surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

one or more attachment plates attached to at least one of the polygonal sides of the platform; and an outrigger attached to the one or more attachment plates.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening forms a rectangular opening.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening has a center that is offset from a center of the platform.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first door disposed on the first portion to cover the first cutout; and

a second door disposed on the second portion to cover the second cutout.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform can be transported on a commercial flatbed trailer when the platform is in a closed position.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, where the trench comprises an oil field cellar.

12. A method of using a work over platform on a trench, the work over platform comprising:

a first portion having a first cutout;

a second portion having a second cutout; and

a hinge system disposed between the first portion and the second portion;

wherein the first cutout and the second cutout form an opening through the platform when the first portion and the second portion are aligned to form a planar surface;

the method comprising moving the hinge system to an open position to form the opening; locking the hinge system into the open position; positioning the opening over a well head in the trench; unlocking the hinge system; and moving the hinge system into a closed position.

13. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising:

transporting the platform to a work site in the closed position;

positioning the work platform over the trench; and

lifting the platform in the closed position onto a transport vehicle.

14. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising:

inserting safety rails around part of a perimeter of the platform;

removing the safety rails from around the part of a perimeter of the platform; and

transporting the platform off of the work site.

15. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising:

connecting an outrigger to the platform; and

disconnecting the outrigger from the platform.

16. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising:

conducting work over operations on the well head.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the first portion and the second portion are parallel to one another when the platform is in the closed position.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein locking the hinge system comprises inserting a locking pin into a locking mechanism coupled to the hinge system, and wherein unlocking the hinge system comprises removing a locking pin from the locking mechanism coupled to the hinge system.

19. The method of claim 12, prior to the unlocking the hinge system, further comprising:

repositioning the opening over another well head in the trench.