Kelly Rig Torque Frame for Casing Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling rigs without top drives face challenges in efficiently handling and rotating casing strings, as they lack the necessary torque application and reaction mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies and potential hazards during casing operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a kelly rig assembly that includes a torque generating device, a casing engaging device, a torque reaction guide, and a torque frame to transfer forces from the torque generating device to the torque reaction guide, allowing for effective rotation and handling of casing joints, even in rigs without top drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a kelly rig is used without a top drive, then the rig can operate with simpler equipment, but it lacks the necessary torque application and reaction mechanisms for efficient casing handling
Solution Approach 1:
The torque frame assembly enables the kelly rig to perform casing handling operations by providing torque application and reaction mechanisms that are typically associated with top drive systems. The system allows a single rig configuration to handle multiple functions (drilling and casing running) effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque frame acts as an intermediary structure between the kelly and the casing string, transferring torque forces and enabling the kelly rig to rotate and handle casing joints efficiently. This intermediate mechanism bridges the functional gap between simple kelly rig equipment and complex casing handling requirements.
2Productivity
If additional equipment is added to enable torque application, then casing handling efficiency improves, but cost and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque frame assembly is divided into distinct modular components including the torque frame structure, reaction guides, and connection elements. This segmentation allows for selective installation and configuration based on specific operational needs, enabling efficient casing handling without requiring a complete equipment overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque frame assembly incorporates adjustable and movable components that can be configured for different casing sizes and operational requirements. The dynamic configuration capability allows the system to adapt to varying geometries and misalignments without requiring multiple fixed equipment sets.
3Ease of operation
If a torque frame assembly is installed, then torque transfer and casing handling improve, but rig assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque frame assembly integrates multiple functions into a single coordinated structure, combining torque application, torque reaction, and casing engagement capabilities. This merging of functions into one assembly reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall rig configuration compared to adding multiple independent systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient torque transfer and casing handling, reducing operational complexities and enhancing safety by utilizing existing rig components and minimizing the need for additional costly equipment, while accommodating misalignments and varying geometries.
Implementation Method 1
a torque frame between the torque generating device and the drill collar stand to transfer forces from the torque generating device to the drill collar stand and therethrough to the rig
Data Source
AI summary
A method for converting a kelly rig for handling casing includes the formation of a torque reaction guide with elongate members available at a drill site including for example, any of drill collar stands, casing strings, drill pipe stands and cables held in tension. A method for converting a kelly rig for handling casing may include the step of installing a torque reaction guide in a simple way, such as by securing the track to the monkey board. In one embodiment a torque reaction frame is used for securing between a torque generating device and a torque reaction guide that operates in a float mode to allow for misalignment of the torque reaction guide relative to the well hole center.