A device and method for increasing top drive output torque

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of oil drilling equipment technology and discloses a device for increasing the output torque of a top drive. The device is installed inside the top drive gearbox and includes a main drive shaft, a connecting coupling component, a torque-increasing component, and a lifting platform connected sequentially from top to bottom. The lifting platform is located at the bottom of the top drive gearbox, and the main drive shaft passes through the top of the gearbox. The device also includes a transmission component, which is respectively installed on the main drive shaft and the top drive spindle. When the lifting platform operates, the connecting coupling component couples. After the torque-increasing component is activated, it drives the main drive shaft to rotate. The main drive shaft increases the torque of the top drive spindle through the transmission component. This invention can provide additional power to the top drive, solve the problem of insufficient torque in the main drive motor, and save the cost of replacing the main drive motor and related equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of oil drilling equipment technology, and specifically relates to a device and method for increasing the output torque of the top drive. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, top drive units have two internal blowout preventers (BOPs): a remote-controlled BOP at the top, which can be remotely switched on and off via a system, and a manual BOP at the bottom, connected to a protective connector, which requires manual operation. During drilling operations, the BOP is in the open position, allowing drilling fluid to flow freely. In the event of a kick or blowout, the wellhead BOP can be closed simultaneously with the internal BOP, further preventing a blowout. Due to frequent tripping of the drill string during drilling, a protective connector is installed at the bottom of the BOP to protect its connecting threads. The integrity of the top drive BOP and the protective connector is crucial for drilling safety; therefore, periodic flaw detection is necessary to check for potential fatigue or cracks. Disassembly of the BOP and protective connector is usually accomplished by using back clamps to hold the corresponding connectors and reversing the top drive spindle.

[0003] However, complex operating conditions at drilling sites, such as temperature and drilling vibration, often result in the required torque during disassembly exceeding the maximum torque that the top drive main motor can provide. This hinders the disassembly process, slows down the project, and prolongs the drilling cycle. Furthermore, the disassembly process is often the only time the main drive motor needs to provide greater torque; therefore, selecting a larger model main drive motor and associated infrastructure would be prohibitively expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a device for increasing the output torque of a top drive gearbox. The device is installed inside the top drive gearbox and includes a main drive shaft, a connecting coupling component, a torque-increasing component, and a lifting platform connected sequentially from top to bottom. The lifting platform is located at the bottom of the top drive gearbox, and the main drive shaft passes through the top of the top drive gearbox.

[0005] The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive also includes a transmission component, which is respectively mounted on the main drive shaft and the top drive spindle.

[0006] Furthermore, the transmission component includes a main drive gear and a main shaft gear. The main drive gear is mounted on the main drive shaft located inside the top drive reduction gearbox, and the main shaft gear is mounted on the top drive main shaft. The main drive gear and the main shaft gear mesh and transmit power.

[0007] Furthermore, the connecting coupling component includes a main connector and a secondary connector. The main connector is disposed at the bottom of the main drive shaft, and the secondary connector is disposed at the top of the torque-increasing assembly. The main connector and the secondary connector are coupled or decoupled from each other.

[0008] Furthermore, the torque-increasing assembly includes a torque-increasing shaft and a torque-increasing motor. The torque-increasing motor is disposed on the top of the lifting platform, and the torque-increasing shaft is disposed on the top of the torque-increasing motor. The top of the torque-increasing shaft is connected to a connecting coupling component.

[0009] Furthermore, the main connector is provided with a plurality of main teeth, and the secondary connector is provided with a plurality of secondary teeth. The number of teeth on the main teeth and the secondary teeth are the same, and the main teeth and the secondary teeth mesh with each other.

[0010] Furthermore, the tooth profiles of the main teeth and auxiliary teeth include straight teeth, helical teeth, spiral teeth, or drum-shaped teeth.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a secondary drive shaft, which is installed inside the top drive reduction gearbox. The secondary drive shaft is connected to the main drive shaft through a transmission component, and the secondary drive shaft is also connected to the top drive main shaft through a transmission component.

[0012] Furthermore, the transmission component also includes an upper gear and a lower gear on the secondary transmission shaft. Both the upper gear and the lower gear are mounted on the secondary transmission shaft. The upper gear meshes with the main drive gear, and the lower gear meshes with the main shaft gear.

[0013] Furthermore, the transmission component also includes a transmission belt, and the main drive shaft, secondary drive shaft and top drive main shaft are all driven by the transmission belt.

[0014] The present invention also proposes a method for increasing the output torque of the top drive. When the top drive needs to perform a disassembly operation of the internal blowout preventer and protective connector and requires a greater increase in torque, the internal components of the top drive are in a stationary state, the brakes of the top drive system are released, and the above-mentioned device for increasing the output torque of the top drive is started to complete the torque increase work.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, this application has the following advantages:

[0016] 1. This application, by setting up a lifting platform, a torque-increasing component, a main drive shaft, and a connecting coupling component, achieves torque amplification of the top drive system when the torque required by the top drive exceeds the maximum torque that the main drive motor can provide, thus completing the disassembly operation. The lifting platform's operation couples the connecting coupling component. After the torque-increasing component is activated, it drives the main drive shaft to rotate. The main drive shaft, through a transmission component, increases the torque of the top drive main shaft. This invention provides additional power to the top drive, solving the problem of insufficient torque from the main drive motor and saving the cost of replacing the main drive motor and related equipment.

[0017] 2. The torque-boosting component of this application includes a torque-boosting shaft and a torque-boosting motor. The torque-boosting component has a compact and reliable structure. The torque-boosting shaft directly cooperates with the main drive shaft through a connecting coupling component to maximize the utilization of the torque-boosting power. The additional torque provided can be selected according to the required torque-boosting power source for different models of top drives. At the same time, the proposed torque-boosting linkage method is applicable to most models of top drives, possessing both versatility and practicality.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the torque-increasing device transmission in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the torque-increasing device in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the connecting coupling components in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram is shown in which the main connecting member and the secondary connecting member are meshable cylindrical gears in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram is shown in which the main connecting member and the secondary connecting member are meshable bevel gears in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram is shown in which the main connecting member and the secondary connecting member are meshable helical rods in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the two-stage transmission torque-increasing device in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the installation of the lifting platform in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] In the diagram, 1. Main drive shaft; 2. Connecting coupling component; 21. Main connector; 211. Main gear; 22. Secondary connector; 221. Secondary gear; 3. Torque boosting assembly; 31. Torque boosting shaft; 32. Torque boosting motor; 4. Lifting platform; 5. Transmission component; 51. Main drive gear; 52. Main shaft gear; 53. Upper gear of secondary transmission shaft; 54. Lower gear of secondary transmission shaft; 6. Secondary transmission shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, a device for increasing the output torque of a top drive is installed inside a top drive gearbox. It includes a main drive shaft 1, a connecting coupling component 2, a torque-increasing component 3, and a lifting platform 4 connected sequentially from top to bottom. The lifting platform 4 is located at the bottom of the top drive gearbox. The main drive shaft 1 passes through the top of the top drive gearbox. It also includes a transmission component 5, which is respectively installed on the main drive shaft 1 and the top drive main shaft.

[0031] Top drive drilling rigs (referred to as top drive units or top drives) mainly consist of a power swivel and a pipe handling unit. The power swivel typically consists of a main drive motor, lifting ring, top drive gearbox, pipe flushing and gooseneck pipe, etc. The pipe handling unit mainly refers to the components used in the top drive for disassembling and assembling drill pipes, and mainly consists of a rotating mechanism, lifting ring tilting mechanism, internal blowout preventer and its control device, anti-loosening device, protective joint and back clamp, etc.

[0032] When the top drive is performing drilling operations, the coupling component 2 is in a decoupled state, and the torque boosting component 3 does not participate in the top drive system. When the top drive requires greater torque for disassembly of the internal blowout preventer and protective connector, all internal components of the top drive are initially stationary, the top drive system brakes are released, and the internal components of the top drive gearbox can be passively rotated. The bottom lifting platform 4 drives the torque boosting component 3 to rise as a whole. At the same time, the torque boosting motor 32 rotates at low speed. The coupling component 2 is connected through the linkage of the lifting platform 4, the torque boosting motor 32, and the top drive system.

[0033] The lifting platform 4 remains in the raised state, the top drive back clamps the internal blowout preventer or protective connector that needs to be removed, the torque booster motor 32 speed is increased to the required torque boosting speed, providing pre-tightening torque boosting. Since the back clamp is clamped at this time, the torque booster assembly 3 alone cannot drive the various components of the top drive, so the overall transmission system is in a taut state. At this time, the top drive detection system is triggered to start the main drive motor.

[0034] Since the main drive motor is connected to the top of the main drive shaft 1, when the main drive motor starts, it provides the main drive shaft 1 with the main drive force and works with the torque boosting component 3 to complete the power confluence. The top drive system drives the top drive main shaft to output greater torque, and the torque boosting motor 32 and the main drive motor work together to release the internal blowout preventer or protective connector.

[0035] When the internal blowout preventer or protective connector is released, the required torque will decrease suddenly. The torque booster motor 32 is equipped with a protection circuit to prevent it from being damaged by overload. After the disassembly operation is completed, the back clamp and the top drive spindle are in a loose state, the main drive motor is turned off, the top drive system brake is released, and the internal components of the top drive gearbox can be passively rotated. The bottom lifting platform 4 drives the torque booster assembly 3 to descend, and the connecting coupling component 2 is separated and decoupled, completing the torque boosting process.

[0036] The torque-increasing device can be a single-stage torque-increasing device or a multi-stage torque-increasing device. When it is a single-stage torque-increasing device, the main drive shaft 1 directly transmits torque to the top drive spindle. When it is a multi-stage torque-increasing device, a multi-stage transmission shaft is provided between the main drive shaft 1 and the top drive spindle. The main drive shaft 1 drives the multi-stage transmission shaft, and the multi-stage transmission shaft then drives the top drive spindle.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, a single-stage transmission torque-increasing method is adopted. The transmission component 5 includes a main drive gear 51 and a main shaft gear 52. The main drive gear 51 is mounted on the main drive shaft 1 located in the top drive reduction gearbox, and the main shaft gear 52 is mounted on the top drive main shaft. The main drive gear 51 and the main shaft gear 52 mesh and transmit power.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the connecting coupling component 2 includes a main connector 21 and a secondary connector 22. The main connector 21 is disposed at the bottom of the main drive shaft 1, and the secondary connector 22 is disposed at the top of the torque increasing assembly 3. The main connector 21 and the secondary connector 22 are coupled or decoupled from each other.

[0039] The torque-increasing assembly 3 includes a torque-increasing shaft 31 and a torque-increasing motor 32. The torque-increasing motor 32 is disposed on the top of the lifting platform 4, and the torque-increasing shaft 31 is disposed on the top of the torque-increasing motor 32. The top of the torque-increasing shaft 31 is connected to the connecting coupling component 2.

[0040] like Figure 3 and 4As shown, the main connector 21 is provided with a plurality of main teeth 211, which can be either external teeth or internal teeth. The secondary connector 22 is provided with a plurality of secondary teeth 221, which can be either external teeth or internal teeth. When the main teeth 211 are external teeth, the secondary teeth 221 are internal teeth; when the main teeth 211 are internal teeth, the secondary teeth 221 are external teeth, thus achieving mutual meshing between the main teeth 211 and the secondary teeth 221.

[0041] The tooth profiles of the main tooth 211 and the auxiliary tooth 221 include cylindrical teeth, conical teeth, and helical teeth.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the main connecting member 21 is provided with a plurality of main teeth 211, and the auxiliary connecting member 22 is provided with a plurality of auxiliary teeth 221. The main teeth 211 and the auxiliary teeth 221 have the same number of teeth. The main teeth 211 are composed of a cylindrical shaft with a central shaft and an internal gear ring, and the auxiliary teeth 221 are external gears with a perforated column. The main teeth 211 and the auxiliary teeth 221 mesh with each other.

[0043] The tooth profiles of the main tooth 211 and the auxiliary tooth 221 include straight teeth, helical teeth, spiral teeth, or drum-shaped teeth.

[0044] In the figure, the main tooth 211 of the main connector 21 and the secondary tooth 221 of the secondary connector 22 have the same number of teeth. The secondary connector 22 is a gear with a hole column and a secondary tooth 221. The main connector 21 is a cylindrical shaft with a central shaft column and a main tooth 211 ring. The tooth profiles of the main tooth 211 and the secondary tooth 221 include straight teeth, helical teeth or drum-shaped teeth.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the main tooth 211 of the main connector 21 and the secondary tooth 221 of the secondary connector 22 have the same number of teeth and the same cone angle. The secondary connector 22 is a bevel gear with secondary tooth 221, and the main connector 21 is a bevel gear with main tooth 211. The tooth profiles of the main tooth 211 and the secondary tooth 221 include spur teeth, helical teeth or spiral teeth.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the main teeth 211 of the main connector 21 and the secondary teeth 221 of the secondary connector 22 have the same number of teeth. The secondary connector 22 is an external helical column with secondary teeth 221. The main connector 21 is a helical column with main teeth 211. The tooth shape of the main teeth 211 and the secondary teeth 221 includes straight teeth, helical teeth or drum-shaped teeth.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, when multi-stage transmission torque enhancement is required, a multi-stage transmission shaft needs to be set between the main drive shaft 1 and the top drive main shaft. Taking two-stage transmission torque enhancement as an example, it also includes a two-stage transmission shaft 6. The two-stage transmission shaft 6 is set in the top drive reduction gearbox. The two-stage transmission shaft 6 is connected to the main drive shaft 1 through the transmission component 5. The two-stage transmission shaft 6 is also connected to the top drive main shaft through the transmission component 5.

[0048] The transmission component 5 also includes an upper gear 53 and a lower gear 54 on the secondary transmission shaft. Both the upper gear 53 and the lower gear 54 are mounted on the secondary transmission shaft 6. The upper gear 53 meshes with the main drive gear 51, and the lower gear 54 meshes with the main shaft gear 52.

[0049] The transmission component 5 also includes a transmission belt, and the main drive shaft 1, the secondary drive shaft 6 and the top drive main shaft are all driven by the transmission belt.

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, in this invention, the lifting platform 4 and the torque-increasing motor 32 can be selectively arranged according to different top drive models of gearboxes, including all arranged outside the top drive gearbox, some arranged outside the top drive gearbox, and all arranged inside the top drive gearbox, all of which can achieve the same effect.

[0051] The specific methods for increasing torque are as follows:

[0052] When the top drive is performing drilling operations, the coupling component 2 is in a decoupled state, and the torque boosting component 3 does not participate in the top drive system. When the top drive requires greater torque for disassembly of the internal blowout preventer and protective connector, all internal components of the top drive are initially stationary, the top drive system brakes are released, and the internal components of the top drive gearbox can be passively rotated. The bottom lifting platform 4 drives the torque boosting component 3 to rise as a whole. At the same time, the torque boosting motor 32 rotates at low speed. The coupling component 2 is connected through the linkage of the lifting platform 4, the torque boosting motor 32, and the top drive system.

[0053] The lifting platform 4 remains in the raised state, the top drive back clamps the internal blowout preventer or protective connector that needs to be removed, the torque booster motor 32 speed is increased to the required torque boosting speed, providing pre-tightening torque boosting. Since the back clamp is clamped at this time, the torque booster assembly 3 alone cannot drive the various components of the top drive, so the overall transmission system is in a taut state. At this time, the top drive detection system is triggered to start the main drive motor.

[0054] Since the main drive motor is connected to the top of the main drive shaft 1, when the main drive motor starts, it provides the main drive shaft 1 with the main drive force and works with the torque boosting component 3 to complete the power confluence. The top drive system drives the top drive main shaft to output greater torque, and the torque boosting motor 32 and the main drive motor work together to release the internal blowout preventer or protective connector.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for increasing the output torque of a top drive, disposed within a top drive reduction gearbox, characterized in that: It includes a main drive shaft (1), a connecting coupling component (2), a torque increasing component (3) and a lifting platform (4) connected sequentially from top to bottom. The lifting platform (4) is located at the bottom of the top drive gearbox, and the main drive shaft (1) passes through the top of the top drive gearbox. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive also includes a transmission component (5), which is respectively disposed on the main drive shaft (1) and the top drive main shaft.

2. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission component (5) includes a main drive gear (51) and a main shaft gear (52). The main drive gear (51) is mounted on the main drive shaft (1) located in the top drive gearbox, and the main shaft gear (52) is mounted on the top drive main shaft. The main drive gear (51) and the main shaft gear (52) mesh and transmit power.

3. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection coupling component (2) includes a main connector (21) and a secondary connector (22). The main connector (21) is located at the bottom of the main drive shaft (1), and the secondary connector (22) is located at the top of the torque-increasing assembly (3). The main connector (21) and the secondary connector (22) are coupled or decoupled from each other.

4. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torque-increasing assembly (3) includes a torque-increasing shaft (31) and a torque-increasing motor (32). The torque-increasing motor (32) is located on the top of the lifting platform (4), and the torque-increasing shaft (31) is located on the top of the torque-increasing motor (32). The top of the torque-increasing shaft (31) is connected to the connecting coupling component (2).

5. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main connector (21) is provided with a plurality of main teeth (211), and the secondary connector (22) is provided with a plurality of secondary teeth (221). The number of teeth of the main teeth (211) and the secondary teeth (221) is the same, and the main teeth (211) and the secondary teeth (221) mesh with each other.

6. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive according to claim 5, characterized in that: The tooth shape of the main tooth (211) and the auxiliary tooth (221) includes straight teeth, helical teeth, spiral teeth or drum-shaped teeth.

7. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a secondary drive shaft (6), which is installed in the top drive gearbox. The secondary drive shaft (6) is connected to the main drive shaft (1) through a transmission component (5), and the secondary drive shaft (6) is connected to the top drive main shaft through a transmission component (5).

8. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive according to claim 7, characterized in that: The transmission component (5) further includes an upper gear (53) and a lower gear (54) on the secondary transmission shaft. Both the upper gear (53) and the lower gear (54) are mounted on the secondary transmission shaft (6). The upper gear (53) meshes with the main drive gear (51), and the lower gear (54) meshes with the main shaft gear (52).

9. The device for increasing the output torque of the top drive according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transmission component (5) also includes a transmission belt, and the main drive shaft (1), the secondary transmission shaft (6) and the top drive main shaft are all driven by the transmission belt.

10. A method for increasing the output torque of a top drive, characterized in that: When the top drive requires greater torque to disassemble the internal blowout preventer and protective connector, all internal components of the top drive are stationary, the brakes of the top drive system are released, and the device for increasing the output torque of the top drive as described in any one of claims 1-9 starts to complete the torque increase work.

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