Tubular running apparatus

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided to prevent collisions between one drilling tool and another drilling tool during drilling operations. If the drilling tools reach a certain proximity to one another, a controller takes action to prevent a collision.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for facilitating the connection of tubulars. More particularly, the invention relates to a safety device for preventing well components from colliding. More particularly still, the invention relates to a monitoring system which prevents and / or alerts an operator when a collision between well components is imminent. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] In the construction and completion of oil and gas wells, a drilling rig is constructed on the earth's surface to facilitate the insertion and removal of tubular strings into a wellbore. The drilling rig includes a platform and power tools such as a hoisting system, an aligning / stabbing tool and a spider to engage, assemble, and lower the tubulars into the wellbore. The hoisting system suspends above the platform from a pulley that is operated by a draw works that can raise or lo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] In another embodiment, a method for preventing a collision between a first and a second component at a well comprises moving the first component substantially along a first path; moving the second component substantially along a second path, wherein the first and second paths intersect in at least one location; sensing the location of the first component; transmitting the location of the first component to a controller; and preventing the collision between the first component and the second component.

[0014] In another embodiment, a method for preventing a collision between a first and a second component at a well comprises sensing the location of the first component relative to the second component; transmitting the location to a controller; and utilizing the information transmitted to the controller to move the first component to a predetermined location while avoiding a collision between the components.

Problems solved by technology

The distance between an operator and the aligning / stabbing makes it difficult for the operator to judge the location of drilling tools in relation to other drilling tools.

The operator's view of the drilling tools is further obstructed by the drilling tools relative to each other or impaired by adverse weather and poor lighting.

These factors sometimes cause an operator to make a mistake thereby causing a collision between the power tools.

If the hoisting system is raised and lowered with the path of the hoisting system obstructed by a power tool, severe damage to the hoisting system or the power tool can occur.

Falling objects from the derrick can cause damage to other equipment, personal injury, or death.

Thus, a collision may cause loss of rig time, repair costs, and replacement costs.

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