Well pipe handling

Abstract

A pipe doper unit (15) comprising a receiver body (11), the receiver body (11) defining a volume (17) configured to receive an end section (50a) of a pipe (50) therein, and wherein the receiver body (11) comprises a plurality of nozzles (16a-d), the nozzles (16a-d) arranged in spaced sets of nozzles (16a-d) and directed inwardly towards the volume (17).

Description

[0001] WELL PIPE HANDLING

[0002] The present disclosure relates to technology for handling pipes used in wellbores, hereunder pipe doper units for washing and / or applying dope onto pipes used in subterranean wellbore operations before or after deployment in the well.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] In drilling operations, it is common to build a string of tubulars, such as a drill string, on a drill floor above a well centre opening. The string is usually assembled using a series of threaded pipe sections, where the threaded connections are made up (or broken out) using appropriate machines, such as pipe handling machines and power tongs. The process of assembling or disassembling the string can be repeated a number of times during the construction of a wellbore. Other operations, such as well intervention operations, may also be carried out using the same principles.

[0005] The integrity of the connections in the string is of high importance, particularly considering the loads the string may be exposed to during use and the fact that the same pipe sections may be subjected to make up (connect) and break out (disconnect) operations a large number of times during its lifetime. For this purpose, lubricating and surface protecting material, commonly known as dope, is usually applied on the pipe section threads before connection.

[0006] Publications which may be useful to understand the field of technology include WO 2002 / 08564 A1 ; US 4014062 A; NO 173893 B; WO 1999 / 60245 A1 ; WO 2012 / 115523 A1 ; and NO 344708 B1 .

[0007] It is desirable to further improve the reliability, operational lifetime and operational efficiency of wellbore equipment and of machines used on drilling rigs. The present disclosure has the objective to provide improved systems and methods in the abovementioned or other areas, or at least provide useful alternatives to the state of the art. SUMMARY

[0008] In an embodiment, there is provided a pipe doper unit comprising a receiver body, the receiver body defining a volume configured to receive an end section of a pipe therein, and wherein the receiver body comprises a plurality of nozzles, the nozzles arranged in spaced sets of nozzles and directed inwardly towards the volume.

[0009] The detailed description below and appended claims outline further inventive aspects and embodiments.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other characteristics will become clear from the following description of illustrative, non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates a pipe handling machine having a pipe doper unit arranged at a base thereof.

[0013] Fig. 2 illustrates upper and lower pipe handling machines for handling vertical pipes on a drilling rig.

[0014] Fig. 3 shows a pipe doper unit according to an example.

[0015] Figs 4-13 illustrate details of the pipe doper unit shown in Fig. 3 along with various optional features thereof.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a pipe handling machine, in this example a lower pipe handling machine 1 , suitable for use on e.g. drilling rigs. The lower pipe handling machine 1 comprises a machine base 5 on which an arm 6 is mounted. The arm 6 comprises a guide head 3 to support a pipe 50, for example a section of drill string (a so called stand) from a pipe storage. The pipe storage may include a setback and a fingerboard defining storage spaces / slots in which drill string stands or other tubular members (such as sections of casing string) may be stored. The lower pipe handling machine 1 cooperates with an upper pipe handling machine 12 (see Fig. 2) to hold and move the pipe 50 while the pipe is in a vertical orientation. The lower pipe handling machine 1 may be arranged to be movable on a drill floor 13, for example on tracks or rails, while the upper pipe handling machine 12 may be movable on or along a superstructure above the drill floor 13. The lower and upper pipe handling machines 1 ,12 cooperate to move pipes 50 between a well centre area and a pipe storage. The skilled reader will recognise this basic setup as a conventional pipe handling arrangement on drilling rigs. Other arrangements for handling pipes are also available, and may be used together with the systems and methods according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 3 shows a pipe doper unit 15. Figs 4-13 illustrate details of the pipe doper unit shown in Fig. 3 along with various optional features thereof. The doper unit 15 comprises a receiver body 11 defining a volume 17 (see Fig. 5) configured to receive an end section of the pipe 50 therein, via one or more openings in the receiver body 11 . The receiver body 11 may, for example, be an elongate housing structure configured to receive an end section 50a (see Figs 4 and 5) of a pipe 50 therein. The pipe 50 may be a section of drill string, a section of casing pipe, or other types of pipe used in well operations.

[0019] In this example, the pipe 50 is a section of drill string. When drilling subterranean wellbores, the drill string may be constructed and disassembled several times, and pipe sections being stored in a pipe storage, as described above. When constructing a drill string from pipe sections, threads interconnecting two pipe sections are usually cleaned and provided with dope before making up the threaded connection. The dope can provide lubrication and reduced wear on the threads. Similarly, when retrieving a drill string and disassembling it, the broken-out threads may be cleaned and dope provided onto the threads, before the pipe section is brought to the pipe storage.

[0020] According to the present invention, such cleaning and doping can be carried out by a pipe doper unit 15. For this purpose, the receiver body 11 comprises a plurality nozzles 16a-d (see Fig. 5) arranged in vertically spaced sets of nozzles and directed inwardly towards the volume 17. An end section 50a, for example comprising the pin end of a pin-and-box threaded connection, of a pipe 50 can be moved into the volume 17 and the nozzles 16a-d may during provide cleaning and application of dope onto the end section 50a. In the shown example, the nozzles 16a-d include cleaning nozzles 16c,d (for example for applying water or another cleaning liquid), drying nozzles 16b (for example for applying air for drying) and doping nozzles 16a (for applying dope). Each of these sets comprises a plurality of nozzles distributed (e.g., arranged circumferentially) about the volume 17, and thereby about the pipe 50 when the pipe 50 is positioned in the volume 17. Each set may, for example, comprise four or more individual nozzles. The sets of nozzles 16a-d are spaced, for example spaced vertically (when in the orientation of the receiver body 11 as shown in Figs 3-5, which are the operational orientations).

[0021] For receiving the end section 50a, the receiver body 11 comprises a first opening 20 and a second opening 21 (see Figs 4 and 5). In this example, the first and second openings 20,21 are arranged opposite each other, at different ends of the receiver body 11 , such that the first and second openings 20,21 and the volume 17 together make up a substantially straight, through-going channel through the receiver body 11 . Other arrangements may, however, be possible.

[0022] In the figures, spray cones from the nozzles 16a-d are schematically illustrated in order to illustrate their function, however the skilled reader will understand that the nozzles 16a-d may be operated sequentially.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 4, a situation is illustrated where the pipe 50 is moved from the well centre after being retrieved from the well. The pipe end section 50a is positioned above the second opening 21 , and subsequently lowered into the volume 17. During this motion, the nozzles 16a-d are operated sequentially. First, the cleaning nozzles 16c,d are activated to clean the end section 50a, and particularly the threads on the end section 50a. Thereafter, the drying nozzles 16b are activated to dry the end section 50a. Finally, the doping nozzles 16a are activated to apply dope on the end section 50a. The pipe 50 can subsequently be moved to the pipe storage.

[0024] The pipe doper unit 15 may be arranged on a pipe handling machine, for example on the base 5 of the pipe handling machine 1 as shown in Fig. 1 . Alternatively, the pipe doper unit 15 can be arranged on or configured to be arranged on a drill floor 13, separate from the pipe handling machines 1 ,12. A dope storage depot or supply line, water or cleaning fluid supply, compressed air or gas supply, pumps, power, or other auxiliary resources may be arranged and / or provided to the pipe doper unit 15 as required.

[0025] In one example, the receiver body 11 is moveable between a first operational configuration in which the first opening 20 is oriented upwardly, and a second operational configuration in which the second opening 21 is oriented upwardly. This is illustrated in Figs 6-8. Fig. 4 shows the receiver body 11 in the second configuration and Fig. 5 shows the receiver body 11 in the first configuration. The base 22 onto which the receiver body 11 is fixed may, for example, comprise a mechanism to allow rotation of the receiver body 11 . Alternatively, the receiver body 11 may be releasable from the base 22 and rotated separately.

[0026] In this manner, the receiver body 11 can be used to clean an end section 50a of a pipe 50 both when a pipe end section 50a is lowered into the volume 17, as described above and illustrated in Fig. 4, and when a pipe end section 50a is positioned in the volume 17 and moved upwardly, out of the volume 17. The latter situation is illustrated in Fig. 5, wherein the pipe 50 is first positioned in the receiver body 11 , then moved upwardly while the nozzles are sequentially activated. As above, the cleaning nozzles 16c,d can be activated first, then the dryer nozzles 16b, and finally the doping nozzles 16a. As the end section 50a leaves the volume 17, it has been cleaned and dope has been applied onto it.

[0027] In any of the examples or embodiments described herein, the receiver body 11 may further comprise a front opening 24 (indicated in relation to Figs 6 and 7). The front opening 24 can be arranged so as to allow the pipe 50 to be moved into the volume 17 horizontally (i.e. radially). Advantageously, this allows the pipe 50 to be moved into the volume 17 radially, into the position illustrated in Fig. 5, and to be moved out of the volume 17 longitudinally (upwardly as illustrated in Fig. 5) while being subjected to cleaning and doping.

[0028] This provides a more efficient handling of the pipes, in that the pipe 50 which is, for example, being moved horizontally by pipe handling machines 1 ,12 from a pipe storage can be moved into the receiver body 11 horizontally (radially) and then vertically (longitudinally) out of the receiver body 11 , or being moved into the receiver body 11 longitudinally and out of the receiver body 11 radially.

[0029] Advantageously, the receiver body 11 may comprise a front opening 24 and be rotatable between first and second configurations as described above. In such an example, the pipe 50 can be moved into the receiver body 11 horizontally when being moved from the pipe storage to the well centre, i.e. when building a drill string. In this operation, one typically has good knowledge of the position of the lowermost end of the pipe 50, as the pipe 50 has been picked up from a setback. The pipe 50 may thus be picked up and be moved horizontally by pipe handling machines 1 ,12 into the receiver body 11 as illustrated in Fig. 5, cleaned and doped, and then further moved to the well centre area.

[0030] When moving pipes 50 from the well centre area during tripping out and disassembly of the drill string, control of the lowermost end of each pipe 50 can be more challenging, as the height of the stick-up varies and each section of pipe 50 used in the drill string may have different lengths. In this operation, it may be advantageous to enter the pipe 50 vertically into the receiver body 11 , as illustrated in Fig. 4, and out of the receiver body 11 horizontally, through the opening 24.

[0031] In this manner, the receiver body 11 can be oriented in the configuration which is most efficient according to which operation is carried out by the drilling rig.

[0032] The pipe doper unit 15 may comprise a pipe detection sensor 27 operable to identify the end section 50a of the pipe 50 at or adjacent the second opening 21 . This is illustrated in Figs 12 and 13. The sensor may, for example, be an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity type sensor, for example in combination with a tilt arm assembly, or another suitable type of sensor. Although the sensor 27 is illustrated arranged at holder above and outside the receiver body 11 , the skilled reader will understand that the sensor 27 may, for example, be arranged integrated into the receiver body 11 for protection, or having a protective housing or guards to protect from e.g. mechanical damage.

[0033] By use of the sensor 27, an indication can be provided for when the end section 50a reaches the volume 17. This information can, for example, be provided to an operator for the purpose of initiating a controlled lowering of the pipe 50 into the receiver body 11 and / or activating the nozzles 16a-d. This provides better operational control of the pipe doper unit 15.

[0034] A controller 28 may be provided and operatively connected to the pipe detection sensor 27. The controller 28 may, for example, be used to automate movement of the pipe 50, for example to stop the pipe handling machines 1 ,12 when the pipe 50 reaches the position as shown in Fig. 13. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller 28 can be arranged to control the operation of the nozzles 16a-d based at least partly on a signal from the pipe detection sensor 27. For example, the sequential operation of the nozzles 16a-d can be initiated based on a measured signal representative of the position of the end section 50a and a signal representative of the vertical position of the pipe 50 provided from the pipe handling machines 1 ,12. Alternatively, the sensor 27 may be arranged to measure a change in position of the pipe 50 (e.g. an updated position or a velocity of the pipe 50) and activate the nozzles 16a-d in response to this. In this manner, the pipe 50 can be moved into the receiver body 11 by an operator or by an automated pipe handling system, and the operation of the nozzles 16a-d are automatically activated based on identification of the pipe 50.

[0035] In any of the examples or embodiments described herein, the pipe doper unit 15 may comprise at least one door 25 arranged at the front opening 24. The door(s) 25 may be one or more flexible members (such as rubber members), and / or a spring- loaded mechanism. The door(s) 25 can be passively controlled such that the pipe 50 can be led through the opening 24 with the door(s) 25 being pushed aside when the pipe 50 is provided into or out of the receiver body 11 . The door(s) 25 can provide protection when operating the nozzles 16a-d in order to prevent cleaning fluid and / or dope spray out of the receiver body 11 . The door(s) 25 may be arranged to have a fixed, fully open position, as indicated in dashed lines in Fig. 9, in the event that closing of the opening 24 is not required.

[0036] Illustrated in Fig. 11 , the pipe doper unit 15 can be arranged with a base 22 having first and second parts 22a, b, where the second part 22b is configured for fixing to an external structure. The external structure may, as described above, for example be a pipe handling machine 1 ,12 or a drill floor 13. The first part 22a is arranged to hold the receiver body 11 .

[0037] A shear member 23, for example a rupture pin or equivalent, can advantageously be provided between the first and second parts 22a, b, such as to release the receiver body 11 from the second part 22b if a pre-determined load on the shear member 23 is exceeded. This can, for example, be the case if the pipe 50 unintentionally hits the receiver body 11 . The shear member 23 can then release the receiver body 11 (in this case together with the first part 22a) from the external structure before any larger forces are imposed on the receiver body 11 , which could cause damage to the receiver body 11 . As illustrated particularly in Fig. 10, a collection tray 26 can be couplable to the base 22 or to the receiver body 11 such as to be arranged below the volume 17. The collection tray 26 can be removably couplable to the base 22 or to the receiver body 11 in order to allow the collection tray 26 to be removed and emptied. If the collection tray 26 is coupled to the receiver body 11 and the receiver body 11 is rotatable (cf. the discussion above in relation to Figs 6-8), the receiver body 11 may have connection members 29 arranged at both sides, i.e. both adjacent opening 20 and opening 21 , for engagement with corresponding connection members on the collection tray 26. The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above; reference should be had to the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A pipe doper unit (15) comprising a receiver body (11 ), the receiver body (11 ) defining a volume (17) configured to receive an end section (50a) of a pipe (50) therein, and wherein the receiver body (11) comprises a plurality of nozzles (16a-d), the nozzles (16a-d) arranged in spaced sets of nozzles (16a-d) and directed inwardly towards the volume (17).

2. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 1 , wherein the receiver body (11 ) comprises a first opening (20) through which the end section (50a) of the pipe (50) can extend into the volume (17).

3. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 2, wherein the receiver body (11 ) comprises a second opening (21 ) through which the end section (50a) of the pipe (50) can extend into the volume (17).

4. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 3, wherein the first opening (20) is arranged opposite the second opening (21).

5. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the first and second openings (20,21) and the volume (17) make up a substantially straight, through-going channel through the receiver body (11).

6. The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, wherein the spaced sets nozzles (16a-d) comprise: at least one set of cleaning nozzles (16c,d) and at least one set of doping nozzles (16a), the at least one set of cleaning nozzles (16c,d) being spaced, such as vertically spaced, from the at least one set of doping nozzles (16a).

7. The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, comprising at least one set of drying nozzles (16b).

8. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 7, wherein the set of drying nozzles (16b) is spaced, such as vertically spaced, from both the set of cleaning nozzles (16c,d) and the set of doping nozzles (16a).

9. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 7 or 8, wherein the set of drying nozzles (16b) is arranged between the set of cleaning nozzles (16c,d) and the set of doping nozzles (16a).

10. The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, wherein the receiver body (11 ) is moveable between a first operational configuration in which the firstopening (20) is oriented upwardly, and a second operational configuration in which the second opening (21) is oriented upwardly.11 . The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, comprising a base (22) onto which the receiver body (11) is connected or connectable.

12. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 11 , wherein the receiver body (11 ) is moveable between the first and second operational configurations while connected to the base (22).

13. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 11 or 12, wherein the base (22) comprises a shear member (23) configured to release the receiver body (11) from a part (22b) of the base (22) if a pre-determined load on the shear member (23) is exceeded.

14. The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, wherein the receiver body (11 ) comprises a front opening (24).

15. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 14, wherein the front opening (24) comprises at least one door (25).

16. The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, further comprising a collection tray (26) couplable to the base (22) or to the receiver body (11) such as to be arranged below the volume (17).

17. The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, further comprising a pipe detection sensor (27) operable to identify the end section (50a) of the pipe (50) at or adjacent the second opening (21).

18. The pipe doper unit (15) of claim 17, further comprising a controller (28) operatively connected to the pipe detection sensor (27) and to the plurality of vertically spaced nozzles (16a-d), and configured to control the operation of the plurality of vertically spaced nozzles (16a-d) based at least partly on a signal from the pipe detection sensor (27).

19. The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe doper unit (15) is arranged on or configured to be arranged on a pipe handling machine (1 ) moveable on a drill floor (13).

20. The pipe doper unit (15) of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe doper unit (15) is arranged on or configured to be arranged on a drill floor (13), separate from a pipe handling machine (1).

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