System and method for monitoring and controlling snubbing slips

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring and controlling a snubbing unit having traveling slips and stationary slips are provided. Position sensors are associated with the slips for directly or indirectly detecting opened and closed positions of the slips, including detecting a rotational position of a crankshaft that drives the slips into engagement with a pipe. Load sensors are associated with the slips for detecting load status of the slips. A control system receives input signals from the sensors, and confirms that either the traveling slips or the stationary slips are loaded before releasing or allowing the release the opposing set of slips, when transferring the pipe string load from the one set of slips to the other set of slips.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 462,446 filed on May 2, 2012 entitled “System and Method for Monitoring and Controlling Snubbing Slips”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling engagement and load transfer of load bearing components in well intervention, completion, drilling, and workover equipment, and snubbing units in particular.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Well intervention, completion and drilling equipment are used to feed pipe into and out of subterranean wells. As an example, snubbing units are known in the oil and gas industry for facilitating access to a well which is under pressure. A snubbing unit manipulates various tubular components such as pipe, tubing, and bottomhole assemblies into and out of a well while controlling the well under pressur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system and method for monitoring and controlling the engagement and load transfer of load bearing components in well intervention, completion, drilling, and workover equipment. The system includes a snubbing unit with first and second slips that engage and move the pipe into or out of a well. The system includes actuation sensors that detect the engagement of the slips with the pipe, and a control system that receives input signals from the sensors and processes them to confirm the position and load status of the slips. The control system can automatically prevent the release of the slips without confirming that the other slip has adequately engaged the pipe. The system can also measure the position and load status of the slips using position sensors and load sensors. The technical effects of the invention include improved monitoring and control of the engagement and load transfer of the load bearing components, which can prevent accidents and improve the efficiency of well intervention and workover operations.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is not uncommon for an operator to release one set of load bearing components accidentally, before transferring the load to the other set of load bearing components.

Such an error may result in the pipe string being dropped or ejected, placing personnel at risk and damaging equipment.

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