Patent ID: 8701784
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a lifting device and a tongs device in handling a series of elongate members associated with a wellbore, the series of elongate members includes a first set of elongate members and a second set of elongate members, the first set of elongate members includes a first plurality of elongate members interconnected via a first plurality of joints, the second set of elongate members includes a second plurality of elongate members interconnected via a second plurality of joints, the first plurality of joints includes a first skipped joint and a first lowermost joint, the first lowermost joint connects the first set of elongate members to the second set of elongate members, the second plurality of joints includes a second skipped joint and a second lowermost joint, the method comprising: selectively activating and stopping the lifting device, which is configured to lift the series of elongate members up from within the wellbore; selectively lifting the series of elongate members; as the lifting device lifts the series of elongate members, sequentially sensing the first plurality of joints and the second plurality of joints as the first plurality of joints and the second plurality of joints sequentially reach a target elevation; allowing the first skipped joint of the first plurality of joints to rise past the target elevation without the first skipped joint stopping at the target elevation; generating an electric signal in response to sensing the first lowermost joint is at the target elevation; stopping the lifting device in response to the electric signal thus stopping the lifting device when the first lowermost joint is at the target elevation; clamping a first portion of the series of elongate members to maintain the first lowermost joint at the target elevation; deploying the tongs device to separate the first lowermost joint, thereby separating the first set of elongate members from the second set of elongate members; transferring the first set of elongate members as a first unit to a predetermined storage area; activating the lifting device and unclamping the first portion of the series of elongate members to lift the second set of elongate members up from within the wellbore; allowing the second skipped joint of the second plurality of joints to rise past the target elevation without the second skipped joint stopping at the target elevation; generating the electric signal in response to sensing the second lowermost joint is at the target elevation; stopping the lifting device in response to the electric signal thus stopping the lifting device when the second lowermost joint is at the target elevation; clamping a second portion of the series of elongate members to maintain the second lowermost joint at the target elevation; deploying the tongs device to separate the second lowermost joint, thereby separating the second set of elongate members from the second portion of elongate members; and transferring the second set of elongate members as a second unit to the predetermined storage area.