Jacking device

Abstract

Disclosed is a jacking device and a method of use for moving an elongate member along an axis of the elongate member. The jacking device comprises a frame portion and a gripping arrangement suspended from the frame portion and moveable in relation thereto. The jacking device may be used to supplement a primary lifting apparatus.

Description

[0001] JACKING DEVICE

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to manipulation and retrieval of casing and tubulars in downhole operations, in particular well re-entry applications.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] In downhole operations it is a frequent requirement to retrieve apparatus from a well, such as lengths of casing or a work string, and to conduct well intervention or workover requiring apparatus to be lifted, manipulated etc.

[0006] Numerous modular apparatus may form part of a modular rig, or be available on deck, such as tongs, an iron roughneck and lifting apparatus such as a derrick or mast, supporting hydraulic or cable lifting apparatus, or alternatively a casing jack around the work string in the centre of the rig floor.

[0007] The lifting apparatus in particular must have a capacity in that includes a large safety margin in excess of anticipated load, to provide adequate contingency. Moreover, access to the work string can be impeded by the required pre-installation of a casing jack. Alternatively, a string must be broken to install a jack.

[0008] An improvement to apparatus used for well intervention or workover is therefore required.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a jacking device, for moving an elongate member along an axis of the elongate member, the jacking device comprising: a gripping arrangement, adapted to grip around an elongate member; a drive arrangement operatively coupled to the gripping arrangement, operable to apply a force and move the gripping arrangement along the axis of a said elongate member, when gripped around the elongate member in use; wherein the jacking device is configured to be placed around a said elongate member laterally, to couple the elongate member to the gripping arrangement.

[0011] In use, the jacking device may be positioned around an elongate member extending through the rig floor or deck by moving the jacking device laterally towards the elongate member, along the rig floor. The jacking device may be coupled to the elongate member without the requirement to break apart the elongate member. Accordingly, the jacking device may be recruited for use during wellbore operations without the requirement to be pre-installed. The jacking device may be used for lifting and / or snubbing, for example to provide additional lift capacity. In turn, the jacking device may facilitate the use lower capacity primary lifting apparatus (such as a mast), with a capacity that is suitable for expected or the majority of load requirements, as the jacking device can supplement the lifting force when required. Further, the jacking apparatus may be moved away from the elongate member to allow access for other equipment.

[0012] The axis of the elongate member is typically vertical in use of the jacking device. Accordingly, the drive arrangement is configured to apply an upward and / or downward force and move the gripping arrangement vertically (when the jacking device is positioned for use, on a level deck or rig floor).

[0013] The term “lateral” herein is used in relation to the axis of the elongate member and may be a direction perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular to the axis (accommodating any variation in the elongate member in relation to the jacking device that might be encountered in use). That is to say, in use, the jacking device can be introduced around an elongate member from the side of the elongate member.

[0014] The jacking device may be a lifting jack, with the drive arrangement configured to apply a lifting force. Alternatively, or in addition, the jacking device may be a snubbing jack, configured to apply a downward force.

[0015] The jacking device, and the gripping arrangement in particular, may be adapted to accommodate some variation in the orientation of the tubular in relation to the jacking apparatus.

[0016] The jacking device may comprise a frame. Both the gripping arrangement and the drive arrangement may be coupled to the frame. The frame may be accordingly be configured to be placed around a said elongate member laterally. For example, when viewed from above (in relation to the axis), at least a portion of the frame may be open to allow the frame to be moved laterally around the elongate member.

[0017] The jacking device may comprise a base, and the drive arrangement may act between the base and the frame. Thus, the drive arrangement is thereby operable to move the frame parallel to the axis of an elongate member, in use.

[0018] The frame may comprise a base frame portion, coupled to or constituting the base, and an upper frame portion, coupled to the gripping arrangement.

[0019] The frame, or base frame portion and upper frame portion thereof may in some embodiments be configured to be placed around a said elongate member laterally. The frame may for example have an open or partially open side.

[0020] The frame, base frame portion and / or upper frame portion may be generally horseshoe shaped or U-shaped, when viewed from above, wherein the gripping arrangement is positioned within a perimeter defined by the horseshoe or U-shape.

[0021] The drive arrangement may comprise one or more typically more than drive apparatus. The drive arrangement may comprise two or more drive apparatuses disposed around the gripping arrangement. The drive apparatuses may be positioned for example to be on either side of the axis of the elongate member, or distributed evenly around the axis, in use.

[0022] As known to one skilled in the art, there may be mechanical couplings between the base and frame or the base frame portion and upper frame portion, as the case may be. The frame may for example be configured as a scissor table, with moveable linkages (and associated movable or rotatable couplings) between the base frame portion, and the upper frame portion.

[0023] The drive arrangement, or one or more parts thereof, may form part of the frame, in particular of a base frame portion. For example, the drive arrangement may comprise drive apparatus having a fixed part, coupled to or forming part of the lower base portion, and a moveable part coupled to the upper frame portion.

[0024] The one or more lifting apparatus may be directly or indirectly coupled to the frame or the base frame portion and upper frame portion thereof. The lifting apparatus(es) may be coupled at one of both ends thereof to a coupling or linkage, wherein the linkage is movably or rotatably coupled to the base, frame or base / upper portions thereof.

[0025] The drive arrangement may comprise any suitable type of drive apparatus, such as hydraulic drive apparatus, mechanical or electromechanical drive apparatus or the like.

[0026] In some embodiments, the jacking device comprises two or more hydraulic jacks. The device may comprise three hydraulic jacks.

[0027] The drive arrangement may comprise a lifting arrangement, for applying an upward force, and a separate snubbing arrangement, for applying a downward force.

[0028] One or more drive apparatuses, such as hydraulic jacks may be configured to apply only an upward force (i.e. to the gripping arrangement, for example via an upper frame portion). The jacking device may accordingly be configured to function only as a lifting jack.

[0029] One or more drive apparatuses, such as hydraulic jacks, may be configured to apply only a downward force (i.e. to the gripping arrangement, for example via an upper frame portion). The jacking device may accordingly be configured to function only as a snubbing jack.

[0030] The jacking device may be provided with both one or more drive apparatuses each configured to apply only a downward force and one or more drive apparatuses each configured to apply only an upward force, whereby the jacking device can be operated as either a lifting or a snubbing jack as required for a particular purpose.

[0031] The device may comprise a generally horseshoe shaped frame and / or base (when viewed from above), with two or more hydraulic jacks spaced apart around the frame / base.

[0032] The gripping arrangement may be suspended from the frame, or the upper portion thereof. The gripping arrangement may be suspended by a support arrangement such chains or more typically from support arms on opposite sides of the gripping arrangement (as viewed from above). The gripping arrangement may be movable in relation to the frame, via the support arrangement, for example via pivotable couplings (e.g. bushings) at one or both ends of support arms. The gripping arrangement may be configured as required for a particular purpose, as known in the art. For example, the gripping arrangement may comprise, or may be, a tubing spider, a tubing bowl or an elevator, as known in the art.

[0033] In some embodiments, a spider comprising multiple grippers or slips on an angled ramp may be used to grip tubulars, whereas a bowl or elevator may be configured to engage with a liner hangar or the like.

[0034] The gripping arrangement may be manually operable to close a gate around a tubular and / or at least partly remotely operable, for example to lock a gate and / or tighten around an elongate member in use.

[0035] The elongate member may be a work string, a casing section, drill pipe, coiled tubing, wireline, slickline or the like.

[0036] In use, the elongate member typically extends from below the deck and thus the jacking apparatus, when coupled thereto, and generally vertically through the frame.

[0037] It is envisaged that the jacking device may be movable in any manner required for a particular purpose. It may for example be convenient for the jacking device to be lifted via a hoist or crane, or the jacking device may comprise skids or wheels or be otherwise slideable or rollable. The jacking device may for example be adapted to be moved along rails or a track. The jacking device may be powered (e.g. driven by electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor), so as to be moveable remotely. The jacking device may accordingly comprise a motor.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a frame for a jacking device, the frame having a base frame portion and an upper frame portion; and a drive arrangement operatively coupled therebetween, operable to apply a force and move the upper frame portion along an axis (in use, normally generally vertically); wherein the frame is configured to be placed around an elongate member laterally, in relation to an axis of the elongate member.

[0039] The frame may have an open or a partially open side. The frame, or one of both of the base frame portion and upper frame portion thereof may be horseshoe or U-shaped.

[0040] The upper frame may be adapted to be coupled to a gripping arrangement, such as a tubing spider or bowl, an elevator or the like. The upper frame may be adapted for a gripping arrangement to be suspended therefrom. The upper frame may comprise a support arrangement, to which the gripping arrangement can be coupled in use.

[0041] The frame may comprise any of the features discussed above in relation to the frame of the jacking device of the first aspect.

[0042] The invention also extends in a third aspect to a well intervention system comprising a jacking device as disclosed herein. The well intervention system may further comprise a primary lifting apparatus. The primary lifting apparatus may comprise a mast, wherein the mast is configured to be coupled to an elongate member and apply a lifting force thereto. The mast may comprise, for example, a primary gripping arrangement connected to a primary drive arrangement via bail arms or a hoist. In other embodiments, the primary lifting apparatus may comprise a derrick, as known in the art.

[0043] In use of the well intervention system, a well intervention may be performed in which the primary lifting apparatus is used to lift an elongate member, such as a work string, casing, or the like as disclosed herein; wherein the jacking device is used for only a part of the invention process (for example as a contingency in case unexpectedly additional lifting force is required), and can be moved laterally around and coupled to the elongate member and later removed.

[0044] The well intervention system may further comprise additional well intervention apparatus, such as tongs, an iron roughneck, CCS apparatus, a rotary table or the like.

[0045] The well intervention system may be modular, such that at least the jacking device, and typically the additional intervention apparatus is independently moveable in relation to a rig floor or deck.

[0046] The well intervention system may include a deck and associated supports, whereby the deck and primary lifting apparatus may be assembled in situ to perform a well intervention process.

[0047] In a fourth aspect there is provided a well intervention or well workover method, comprising the steps of: lifting or applying a lifting force to an elongate member using a primary lifting apparatus; positioning a jacking device around the elongate member and coupling the jacking device thereto; and applying a supplementary lifting force to the elongate member using the jacking device. The method may comprise releasing the supplementary lifting force. The method may comprise subsequently uncoupling the jacking device (i.e. uncoupling the gripping arrangement) and optionally moving the jacking device away from the elongate member. The method may comprise re-setting the jacking device. Re-setting may comprise releasing or uncoupling the gripping arrangement and reversing the motion of the drive arrangement.

[0048] The method may comprise moving the jacking device laterally towards (and optionally subsequently away from) the elongate member. The method may comprise sliding or rolling the jacking device, typically across a rig floor or deck.

[0049] The jacking device may be the jacking device of the first aspect.

[0050] The method may further comprise performing one or more well intervention operations, for example using well intervention apparatus or modules as disclosed herein.

[0051] The method may comprise multiple steps of lifting or applying a lifting force to the elongate member, using the primary lifting apparatus and / or the jacking device.

[0052] The method may be a plugging and abandonment operation.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of coupling a jacking device to an elongate member, the method comprising: moving the jacking device laterally in relation to an axis of the elongate member, whereby the jacking device is positioned around the elongate member; coupling the jacking device to the elongate member and applying an upward (lifting) force or a downward (snubbing) force thereto using the jacking device.

[0054] The jacking device may comprise a gripping arrangement, and the method may comprise coupling the elongate member to the gripping arrangement.

[0055] The gripping arrangement may be suspended from a frame portion (such as an upper frame portion as disclosed herein) and moveable in relation thereto, via a support arrangement. Coupling the jacking device to the elongate member may comprise moving the gripping arrangement in relation to the frame portion, for example to accommodate variation in the position of the elongate member in relation to the jacking device in use. The jacking device may be the jacking device of the first aspect.

[0056] In typical methods disclosed herein, while the jacking device is positioned around and coupled to the elongate member, the elongate member is held in position, by one or both of a primary lifting apparatus or another apparatus, such as a rotary table or the like.

[0057] The terms above, below, upper, lower or analogous terms relating to relative position or orientation refer to the device, frame or system disclosed herein orientated for normal use on a substantially horizontal rig floor or deck.

[0058] It will be understood that various optional features of the apparatus described above may be combined or exchanged and modified for a particular purpose without departing from the scope of the aspects disclosed herein. Furthermore, preferred and optional features of each aspect of the invention correspond to preferred and optional features of each other aspect of the invention.

[0059] Unless otherwise stated, the term “comprises” herein encompasses both the options of “consists of” or “includes”; i.e. such that a stated structural feature or method step may consist of the subsequently recited structure feature or method step, or may include additional structural features or steps.

[0060] Non-limiting example embodiments will now be described with reference to the following figures in which:

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a jacking device;

[0062] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the jacking device of Fig. 1 ;

[0063] Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) show perspective views of an embodiment of a modular well intervention system.

[0064] Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

[0065] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a jacking device 1 includes a base, or base frame portion 10, and an upper frame portion 20, the frame portions 10, 20 together constituting a frame 5. In the example shown the frame portions 10, 20 are generally horseshoe shaped, thereby providing an open region along one side, the open region generally indicated as 30. The frames are symmetrical about a line X that intersects a notional central axis A of the device 1.

[0066] The lower frame portion 10 has a horseshoe shaped base plate 12 and a horseshoe shaped upper plate 14. A drive arrangement, in the embodiment shown a lifting arrangement, consists of three hydraulic jacks 40, each of which includes a cylindrical body 42, bolted via lower and upper flanges 44, 45 to the base plate 12 and the upper plate 14, respectively. The cylindrical bodies thus form part of the structure of the lower frame portion, in the embodiment shown.

[0067] The cylindrical bodies 42 each define an internal hydraulic cylinder (not visible in the figures), slideable within which are pistons 46 (only the upper ends of which are visible in Fig. 1). The pistons extend through apertures 16 in the upper plate 14, and are connected with pins 48 to clevis joints 22 positioned around the upper frame portion 20 at approximately 120 degree intervals around the axis A.

[0068] The upper frame portion 20 consists of a main structural member 24, which is U-shaped. The internal faces 26 thereof in use function to limit the range of motion of the jacking device in relation to a tubular or casing, and assist in positioning the device 1.

[0069] Depending from an underside 25 of main structural member 24 on axially opposite sides are clevis joints 26. Support arms 28 are coupled to the clevis joints 26 by pins 27 which extend through eyelets (not visible) in the upper ends of the supports arms 28, whereby the arms may pivot in relation to the upper frame portion 20.

[0070] A tubing spider 50 (an example of a gripping arrangement) is coupled via trunnions on oppose sides thereof (not visible in the figures) received in eyelets 29 at the lower end of the support arms. The tubing spider is thus moveable laterally along the line X and is independently pivotable. This range of motion in relation to the frame 5 facilitates connection of the spider to a tubular or casing (or other elongate member) and alignment of the device 1 in relation thereto. A tolerance of the precise position of the tubular or casing in relation to the jacking device 1 , and changes therein during lifting, is also provided.

[0071] The tubing spider 50 is of conventional construction, as known to those skilled in the art, and includes an outer body 52, a gate 54 and tapered grippers 56 longitudinally slideable in relation to the body, such that a gripping force is applied via the weight of tubular or casing and / or the lifting force itself, in use. The jacking device may be contained within, or may comprise, a skid frame (not shown), wheels or rollers on an underside may be provided, or the jacking device otherwise adapted to be moved across a deck in use. Alternatively, the jacking device may simply be lifted and moved into position.

[0072] When an intervention is undertaken, and a lift force or supplemental lifting force is required to be applied to a work string, casing or the like, the jacking device can be moved laterally around the work string, such that the work string (or, more generally, elongate member) passes into the frame 5 via the open region 30, and into the spider 50 via the open gate 54. The work string can then be coupled to the spider by closing the gate and allowing the jacking device to take up the weight of the work string, in a conventional manner.

[0073] Actuation of the hydraulic jacks 40 displaces the pistons 46, and thus also the upper frame portion 20 and spider 50 upwards, thereby applying a lifting force to lift, or supplement the lifting force applied to the work string.

[0074] An exemplary modular well intervention system 100 is shown in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b). A platform 110 is assembled on skid beams 112 over a well head 120. The platform includes crew stairs 114, a rig floor / deck 116 and a crew room (doghouse) 118. A mast 130 is positioned on the rig floor, and includes a main block 132, a travelling block 134 and winch 136. Suspended from the travelling block 134 is a sling 138 adapted to grip a tubular or casing, via a gripping arrangement, such as a joint elevator, spider, bowl or the like, depending on the particular purpose. The mast, winch, blocks, sling and gripping arrangement together can be used during an intervention as primary lifting apparatus for lifting a casing or tubular. A rotary table 140 is located on the deck 116, over the well centre.

[0075] Also provided on the rig floor 116 is a jacking device 1 as disclosed above, which can be laterally moved around a work string or casing or the like during intervention operations to provide a supplementary lifting force.

[0076] Additional modules, such as an iron roughneck 150 and tongs 160 may also be provided, to facilitate various interventions.

[0077] Example methods are as follows:

[0078] 1 . “Add-on” jacking device 1 positioned on the deck 116, to side of well centre. 2. Slips in rotary table 140 hold weight of work string (not shown) in the well

[0079] 3. Jacking device skidded over the deck 116 to the well centre, over the table 140, whereby the “horseshoe shaped” frame 5 is introduced around” over the work string from the side, i.e. laterally.

[0080] 4. Activate spider 50 (or in alternative embodiments, elevator) in the jacking device 1 , to gip the work string.

[0081] 5. Release slips in rotary table 140.

[0082] 6. Activate jacking device 1 (i.e. hydraulic jacks 49) to stroke out, i.e. lifting the work string out of the well.

[0083] 7. Set slips in rotary 140

[0084] 8. Release slips in the spider 50 of the jacking device 1 , so that the work string is ungripped.

[0085] 9. Retract or re-set the jacking device (i.e. lower the jacks 40 and the upper frame portion 20)

[0086] 10. Re-set the spider 50

[0087] 11 . Release slips in rotary 140

[0088] 12. Perform further stroke with jacking device (i.e. to further lift the work string)

[0089] 13. Optionally continue stroking procedure as required, for example until a pin connection or tool is above the rotary table 140, and further intervention operations can be performed thereon.

[0090] 14. External lifting device sling 138 grips work string, while weight of string hanging in rotary 140

[0091] 15. Skid jacking device away from well centre

[0092] 16. Break out connection

[0093] 17. Lay down joint

[0094] It will be appreciated that many variations of the above method may be employed, including but not limited to performing external lifting prior to use of the jacking device or, during to supplement the lifting force applied by the mast, winch sling etc.

[0095] Another example method is as follows:

[0096] 1 . Skid in add-on jacking device 1 laterally from side to well centre (while string hanging in slips in rotary 140)

[0097] 2. Close the gate 54 on the elevator or spider 50 around the tubular / string

[0098] 3. Activate slips 56 elevator / spider

[0099] 4. Stroke the jacking device to take the tubular load 5. Open the drill floor slips in rotary 140

[0100] 6. Stroke jacking device to lift work string

[0101] 7. Set drill floor slips 56 in rotary 140

[0102] 8. Lower the jacking remove the load (i.e. reverse motion of drive arrangement to a sufficient degree to remove load)

[0103] 9. De-activate the slips 56 in spider 50

[0104] 10. Lower / re-set jacking device 1

[0105] 11 . Repeat step 3-10 as needed to lift the required tubular length out of the well

[0106] 12. Open the gate 54 and skid jacking device 1 out of the way 13. Break connection or cut string and lay down joint.

[0107] Whilst exemplary embodiments have been described herein, these should not be regarded as limiting to the modifications and variations possible within the scope of the invention as disclosed herein and recited in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A jacking device, for moving an elongate member along an axis of the elongate member, the jacking device comprising; a gripping arrangement, adapted to grip around an elongate member; a base frame portion and an upper frame portion; wherein the gripping arrangement is suspended from the upper frame portion by a support arrangement and moveable in relation to the frame via the support arrangement; a drive arrangement, operable to act between the base frame portion and the upper frame portion and apply a force and move the gripping arrangement along the axis of a said elongate member, when gripped around the elongate member in use; wherein the jacking device is configured to be placed around a said elongate member laterally, to couple the elongate member to the gripping arrangement.

2. The jacking device of claim 1 , wherein the jacking device is a lifting jack and the drive arrangement is configured to apply a lifting force; and / or wherein the jacking device is a snubbing jack, and the drive arrangement is configured to apply a downward force.

3. The jacking device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame has an open or partially open side.

4. The jacking device of any preceding claim, wherein the frame, base frame portion and / or upper frame portion is generally horseshoe shaped or U-shaped, when viewed from above, wherein the gripping arrangement is positioned within a perimeter defined by the horseshoe or U-shape.

5. The jacking device of any preceding claim, wherein the drive arrangement, or one or more parts thereof, form part of the frame, in particular of a base frame portion.

6. The jacking device of any preceding claim, wherein the drive arrangement comprises two or more drive apparatuses disposed around the gripping arrangement.

7. The jacking device of claim 6, where each drive apparatus comprises a hydraulic jack.

8. The jacking device of any preceding claim, wherein the drive arrangement comprises a lifting arrangement, for applying an upward force, and a separate snubbing arrangement, for applying a downward force.

9. The jacking device of any preceding claim, wherein the support arrangement comprises one or more chains or two or more support arms, optionally on opposite sides of the gripping arrangement.

10. The jacking device of any preceding claim, wherein the gripping arrangement comprises or consists of a tubing spider or an elevator.

11. A well intervention system comprising a jacking device according to any one of claim 1 to 10.

12. The well intervention system according to claim 11 , further comprising a primary lifting apparatus.

13. The well intervention system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising additional well intervention apparatus, wherein the additional well intervention apparatus comprises one or more of: tongs, an iron roughneck, CCS apparatus, a rotary table.

14. A well intervention or well workover method, comprising the steps of: lifting or applying a lifting force to an elongate member using a primary lifting apparatus; positioning a jacking device around the elongate member and coupling the jacking device thereto; and applying a supplementary lifting force to the elongate member using the jacking device.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising moving the jacking device laterally towards, and optionally subsequently laterally away from, the elongate member.

16. A method of coupling a jacking device to an elongate member, the jacking device comprising a frame portion and a gripping arrangement, the gripping arrangement being suspended from the frame portion and moveable in relation thereto, via a support arrangement; the method comprising: moving the jacking device laterally in relation to an axis of the elongate member, whereby the jacking device is positioned around the elongate member; andcoupling the jacking device to the elongate member; wherein coupling the jacking device to the elongate member comprises moving the gripping arrangement in relation to the frame portion.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising applying an upward (lifting) force or a downward(snubbing) force thereto using the jacking device.

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