Dual table stand for positioning of wellbore servicing equipment

Abstract

A dual table stand for positioning of wellbore servicing equipment relative to a wellbore has two or more sliding tables positioned on top rails, the top rails mounted on a base. The base may be mounted on a carriage, and the carriage movable on rails to position the base over a wellbore. The sliding tables are movable to positions in alignment with a wellbore, and positions out of alignment with a wellbore. The sliding tables may be connected or linked together, or may be unconnected and therefore independently movable. One sliding table may hold wireline equipment, with another sliding table holding coiled tubing equipment. The wireline equipment may be positioned over the wellbore while the coiled tubing equipment is moved to one side, and when desired the wireline equipment may be moved to one side while the coiled tubing equipment is positioned over the wellbore.

Description

[0001] Dual Table Stand for Positioning of Wellbore Servicing Equipment

[0002] Johnny Jules Lavergne and Lester Joseph LeBoeuf, Inventors and Applicants

[0003] Cross reference to related applications

[0004] This United States non-provisional patent application claims benefit of and priority to United States provisional patent application SN 63 / 565783, filed 03 / 15 / 2024, for all purposes. The disclosure of that provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent with this application.

[0005] Background - Field of the Invention

[0006] Various apparatus and methods have been used to position equipment in a desired position over the wellbore, in connection with oil and gas well servicing operations.

[0007] One well servicing operation involves use of “coiled tubing,” which is steel (or similar material) tubing on a large reel, the tubing having sufficient flexibility that it can be straightened and pushed into a wellbore, then coiled back onto the reel when pulled from the wellbore. Yet another well servicing operation involves wireline, which may be “slickline” or electric wireline. For certain well servicing operations, both coiled tubing and wireline are used. A stand is positioned over the wellbore, in order to mount the coiled tubing reel and / or injector; or wireline spool and / or lubricator, etc., and related equipment.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] The apparatus, namely a dual table stand, for positioning of well servicing equipment above a wellbore, in a presently preferred embodiment comprises two or more tables movably disposed on said apparatus, each of said two or more tables movable from a position disposed over and aligned with said wellbore to a position out of alignment with said wellbore. In further description, the dual table stand apparatus comprises a plurality, for example two, of spaced apart rails, which may be referred to as top rails, and two or more tables movably disposed on the plurality of spaced apart top rails, each of the two or more tables movable from a position disposed over and aligned with the wellbore to a position out of alignment with the wellbore.

[0010] In further description, the dual table stand apparatus (and related methods of use), embodying the principles of the present invention, comprises a base which is positioned over a wellbore to be serviced. The base rests on a carriage, which is movably, for example slidably, disposed on rails, which may be referred to as base rails, which in turn typically rest on structural members surrounding the wellbore, for example on an offshore production platform. The carriage and rails permit moving the base over a selected wellbore by sliding or otherwise moving the entire dual table stand assembly.

[0011] Positioned at an elevated position and mounted on the base are a plurality, typically two, rails, which are generally horizontal rails, which may be referred to as top rails. A plurality, typically two, movable tables are positioned on the top rails. The tables are movable by sliding or rolling from a position vertically aligned with the wellbore, to a position to one side, i.e. not aligned with the wellbore. The two tables may move together, effectively being connected or linked together; or alternatively, may be unconnected from each other, in such embodiment able to move independently of one another. By way of example, a first table may be positioned and aligned over the wellbore, while a second table is positioned off to one side of the wellbore. Alternatively, the second table may be positioned and aligned over the wellbore, while the first table is positioned off to one side of the wellbore. Alternatively, namely when the tables are unconnected, both the first and second tables may be positioned off to either side of the wellbore. With one table carrying coiled tubing unit equipment, and the other table carrying wireline unit equipment, it can be understood that well servicing operations with one unit can be ongoing while the other unit is being prepared, then the tables moved and the other unit put into service.

[0012] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] One presently preferred embodiment of the dual table stand is set out in the drawings, as follows:

[0014] Figs. 1 - 3 are perspective, top, and side views of one embodiment of the two movable tables mounted on the top rails.

[0015] Figs. 4 - 6 are perspective and side views of the dual table stand, in an elevated position with both tables out of alignment with the wellbore.

[0016] Figs. 7 - 9 are perspective and side views of the dual table stand, in a lowered position with both tables out of alignment with the wellbore.

[0017] Figs. 10 - 12 are perspective and side views of the dual table stand, in an elevated position with a first table, carrying coiled tubing unit equipment, aligned with the wellbore.

[0018] Figs. 13 - 15 are perspective and side views of the dual table stand, in a lowered position, with a first table, carrying coiled tubing unit equipment, aligned with the wellbore.

[0019] Figs. 16 - 18 are perspective and side views of the dual table stand, in an elevated position with a second table, carrying wireline equipment, aligned with the wellbore.

[0020] Figs. 19 - 21 are perspective and side views of the dual table stand, in a lowered position, with a second table, carrying wireline equipment, aligned with the wellbore

[0021] Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiment(s) While various stands for positioning of well servicing equipment can embody the principles of the present invention, with reference to the drawings some of the presently preferred embodiments can be described.

[0022] Figs. 1 - 3 are perspective, top, and side views of the dual table and top rail elements, described in more detail below. Top rails 50 are mounted on base 40 (seen in other drawings), with first and second sliding tables 60, 70 positioned on top rails 50. It is to be understood that although the term “sliding tables” is used herein for simplicity, tables 60, 70 may move on top rails by sliding, rolling, etc. First table 60 may comprise a base 62 for coiled tubing unit equipment, e.g. an injector guide; while second table 70 may comprise an open throat area 63 for mounting wireline unit equipment. In Figs. 1 - 3, tables 60 and 70 are positioned at either end of top rails 50, leaving the central area (positioned over and aligned with the wellbore) open. Tables 60, 70 may be moved by hydraulic cylinders 90. It is understood that first and second tables 60, 70 may be connected or linked together, thereby moving together, such that when (for example) first table 60 is aligned with the wellbore, second table 70 is out of alignment with the wellbore; when first table 60 is out of alignment with the wellbore, second table 70 is aligned with the wellbore. Alternatively, when first and second tables 60, 70 are not connected or linked together, they may move together as just described; or may be moved to be in the positions shown in Figs. 1 - 3, namely at either end of top rails 50, or at any intervening position.

[0023] Figs. 4 - 6 are perspective and side views of dual table stand 10, as it would be if mounted on an offshore platform. As is known in the relevant industry, the platform is positioned over a wellbore (by way of example only, a single wellbore axis is shown in the drawings, for clarity, although frequently the platform is positioned above multiple wellbores). The platform comprises structural members which permit service equipment to be positioned over the wellbore. Dual table stand 10 permits positioning of service equipment, including but not limited to coiled tubing unit equipment and wireline unit equipment, over and aligned with the wellbore, as is described in more detail below.

[0024] Referring to Figs. 4 - 6, dual table stand 10 may be positioned on a pair of spaced apart base rails 20, which are positioned on the platform. A carriage 30 is mounted on base rails 20, movable by sliding or rolling on base rails 20. Dual table stand 10 is mounted on carriage 20, and can then be slid or rolled into position over a desired wellbore. Such movement may be powered by hydraulic cylinders 32 or similar means.

[0025] In one presently preferred embodiment, dual table stand 10 comprises a base 40. Base 40 may be made in two or more sections, which can be lifted onto the platform one at a time, in order to keep crane loads within desired limits; the sections are then attached together. As described above, a pair of spaced apart top rails 50 are mounted on base 40.

[0026] Also as described above, preferably a plurality, which may be two, sliding tables 60 and 70 are in turn mounted on top rails 50. Each of the two sliding tables 60 and 70 are movable independently from a position substantially aligned over a wellbore, to a position out of alignment with the wellbore 210. It is understood that tables 60 and 70 may move together, or independently. In Figs. 4 - 6, tables 60 and 70 are moved substantially to either end of top rails 50, leaving the area over the wellbore open. In the figures, a wireline mast 100 is shown, mounted on table 70. In one embodiment, as can be seen in the figures, the portion of base 40 comprising top rails 50 may be raised and lowered; Figs. 4 - 6 shows the structure in a raised position, while Figs. 7 - 9 show the structure, namely base 40, in a lowered position. A plurality, typically four, hydraulic cylinders 80 permit raising and lowering of the structure, namely base 40, to achieve a desired elevation of top rails 50, tables 60 and 70, and any equipment mounted thereon, above the wellbore or other datum. Such hydraulic cylinders 80 may be extended then the structure pinned at a fixed elevation; or alternatively may be compensating. It is noted that Figs. 4, 6, 7, and 9, by way of example, show dual table stand 10 wherein first and second tables 60, 70 (and any equipment mounted thereon) are not connected or linked together, so that first and second tables 60, 70 may be positioned at either ends of top rails 50, out of alignment with the wellbore.

[0027] In Figs. 10 - 12, table 60 (shown with coiled tubing unit equipment, namely an injector guide 110, mounted thereon) is positioned so as to be aligned over the wellbore axis, with table 70 out of alignment with the wellbore axis and positioned at one end of top rails 50. The stand is shown in an elevated position. Figs. 13 - 15 show the apparatus seen in Figs. 10 - 12, in a lowered position.

[0028] In Figs. 16 - 18, table 70 (on which may be mounted wireline unit-related equipment) is positioned aligned over the wellbore axis, with table 60 out of alignment with the wellbore axis and positioned at one end of top rails 50. A swing arm crane 94 may be mounted on wireline mast 100. Wireline unit equipment, which may comprise a wireline lubricator 120 or similar equipment is shown in place, positioned within table 70 or carried by table 70. Figs. 19 -21 show the apparatus seen in Figs. 16 - 18, in a lowered position.

[0029] Note that Figs. 10 - 21 show first and second tables 60, 70 such that when one of first or second tables 60, 70 is aligned with wellbore 210, the other of first or second tables 60, 70 is out of alignment with wellbore 210. This positioning is possible when first and second tables 60, 60 are connected or linked together, thereby moving together; and when first and second tables are unconnected and independently movable. Both embodiments are encompassed within the scope of the invention.

[0030] Any desired wellbore servicing and / or analysis equipment may be mounted on tables 60 and 70. By way of example, coiled tubing unit injector equipment, such as the injector guide 110 shown, may be mounted on table 60; while wireline related equipment, for example a lubricator 120, may be mounted on or positioned within table 70, usually within mast 100. It can be readily understood that while operations are being conducted with one set of equipment on one table, the other set of equipment can be readied for use. For example, while coiled tubing operations are ongoing in the wellbore, various wireline related equipment can be readied for use, so that the coiled tubing apparatus can be moved out of alignment with the wellbore and the wireline apparatus quickly moved into position over the wellbore. It can be appreciated that operations can therefore be conducted with minimal time lost to equipment rig up / rig down.

[0031] Tables 60 and 70, and equipment mounted thereon, may be moved on top rails 50 by hydraulic cylinders 32 or similar apparatus, known in the art.

[0032] Conclusion

[0033] While the preceding description contains many specificities, it is to be understood that same are presented only to describe some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and not by way of limitation. Changes can be made to various aspects of the invention, without departing from the scope thereof.

[0034] Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined not by the illustrative examples set forth above, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

We claim:

1. Apparatus for positioning of well servicing equipment above a wellbore, comprising: two or more tables movably disposed on said apparatus, each of said two or more tables movable from a position disposed over and aligned with said wellbore to a position out of alignment with said wellbore.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said two or more tables are connected to one another.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said two or more tables are unconnected to one another and independently movable.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spaced apart top rails; and wherein said two or more tables are movably disposed on said plurality of spaced apart top rails.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a base adapted for positioning over a wellbore, said plurality of spaced apart top rails disposed on said base.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said base is mounted on a carriage, said carriage movably positioned on base rails, said base rails positioned on a structure surrounding said wellbore.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of said two or more tables supports a coiled tubing system.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of said two or more tables supports a wireline unit.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of said two or more tables supports a coiled tubing system, and another one of said two or more tables supports a wireline unit.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:one or more hydraulic cylinders atached to said two or more tables, and adapted to move said two or more tables on said spaced apart top rails; and one or more hydraulic cylinders attached to said carriage, and adapted to move said carriage on said base rails.

11. A dual table stand for positioning of well servicing equipment above a wellbore, comprising: a base adapted for positioning over a wellbore; a plurality of generally horizontal spaced apart top rails disposed on said base at a desired height above said wellbore; and two tables movably disposed on said top rails, each of said two tables independently movable from a position disposed over and aligned with said wellbore to a position out of alignment with said wellbore.

12. The dual table stand of claim 11 , wherein said base is mounted on a carriage, said carriage movably positioned on base rails, said base rails positioned on a structure surrounding said wellbore.

13. The dual table stand of claim 11, wherein said base is adapted to vertically telescope.

14. The dual table stand of claim 13, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder adapted to telescope said base vertically upward and downward.

15. The dual table stand of claim 12, further comprising: one or more hydraulic cylinders attached to each of said two or more tables, and adapted to move said two or more tables on said spaced apart top rails.

16. The dual table stand of claim 15, further comprising:one or more hydraulic cylinders attached to said carriage, and adapted to move said carriage on said base rails.

17. The dual table stand of claim 11, wherein one of said two or more tables supports coiled tubing unit equipment.

18. The dual table stand of claim 11, wherein one of said two or more tables comprises an open throat area and supports wireline unit equipment.

19. The dual table stand of claim 14, wherein one of said two or more tables supports coiled tubing equipment, and another of said two or more tables supports wireline unit equipment.

20. The dual table stand of claim 17, wherein said coiled tubing equipment comprises an injector guide.

21. The dual table stand of claim 18, wherein said wireline unit equipment comprises a wireline mast and wireline lubricator.

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