Abstract:
A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, a gripper affixed to the an end of the arm opposite the boom, a first line having a first end affixed to the boom, a second line interconnected to an opposite end of the first line and connected to the frame, and an actuator interconnected to the first and second lines. The actuator changes an angular relationship of the first and second lines so as to selectively tension the lines. The second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship with the first cable.

Description:
RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to the tubulars from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. Particularly, the present invention relates to a pipe handling apparatus that position tubulars in a wellhead. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for adjusting a position of a boom of the pipe handling apparatus when positioning tubulars at a wellhead. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98. 
         [0007]    Drill rigs have utilized several methods for transferring tubular members from a pipe rack adjacent to the drill floor to a mousehole in the drill floor or the well bore for connection to a previously transferred tubular or tubular string. The term “tubular” as used herein includes all forms of pipe, drill pipe, drill collars, casing, liner, bottom hole assemblies (BHA), and other types of tubulars known in the art. 
         [0008]    Conventionally, drill rigs have utilized a combination of the rig cranes and the traveling system for transferring a tubular from the pipe rack to a vertical position above the center of the well. The obvious disadvantage with the prior art systems is that there is a significant manual involvement in attaching the pipe elevators to the tubular and moving the pipe from the drill rack to the rotary table at the well head. This manual transfer operation in the vicinity of workers is potentially dangerous and has caused numerous injuries in drilling operations. Further, the hoisting system may allow the tubular to come into contact with the catwalk or other portions of the rig as the tubular is transferred from the pipe rack to the drill floor. This can damage the tubular and may affect the integrity of the connections between successive tubulars in the well. 
         [0009]    In the past, various devices have been created which mechanically move a pipe from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation such that the vertically-oriented pipe can be installed into the well bore. Typically, these devices have utilized several interconnected arms that are associated with a boom. In order to move the pipe, a succession of individual movements of the levers, arms, and other components of the boom must be performed in a coordinated manner in order to achieve the desired result. Typically, a wide variety of hydraulic actuators are connected to each of the components so as to carry out the prescribed movement. A complex control mechanism is connected to each of these actuators so as to achieve the desired movement. Advanced programing is required of the controller in order to properly coordinate the movements in order to achieve this desired result. 
         [0010]    Unfortunately, with such systems, the hydraulic actuators, along with other components, can become worn with time. Furthermore, the hydraulic integrity of each of the actuators can become compromised over time. As such, small variations in each of the actuators can occur. These variations, as they occur, can make the complex mechanism rather inaccurate. The failure of one hydraulic component can exacerbate the problems associated with the alignment of the pipe in a vertical orientation. Adjustments of the programming are often necessary to as to continue to achieve the desired results. Fundamentally, the more hydraulic actuators that are incorporated into such a system, the more likely it is to have errors, inaccuracies, and deviations in the desired delivery profile of the tubular. Typically, very experienced and knowledgeable operators are required so as to carry out this pipe movement operation. This adds significantly to the cost associated with pipe delivery. 
         [0011]    To address these problems and needs, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/923,451, filed on Oct. 24, 2007 by the present applicant, discloses a pipe handling system that has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to a opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion. 
         [0012]    The pipe handling system delivers a pipe to a well head when in the second position. Pipes can be of extraordinary lengths and weights. The boom of the above pipe handling system is pivotally connected to a skid so as to pivot between the first and second positions. Pipes can be of extraordinary lengths and weights; therefore, the pivotal connection between the boom and skid must be strong so as to withstand the forces created by the movement of the boom between the first and second positions. Typically, hydraulic cylinders are placed between the boom and skid so as to raise and lower the boom between the first and second positions. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to a hydraulic power system so as to raise and lower the boom between the first and second positions. 
         [0013]    Various patents have issued relating to the movement of a boom of a pipe handling system with hydraulic cylinders or other similar means. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,209, issued on Jul. 18, 2006 to McCulloch, discloses a mast for lifting and suspending a coiled tubing injector and blowout preventer over a well head that is pivotally mounted on a rear portion of a truck. The mast has two side-by-side telescoping legs that extend and retract synchronously. Hydraulic cylinders pivotally move the mast between a lower position and an upper position. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,840, issued on Jun. 29, 1982 to Bailey, discloses a suspension system for use with a mast. The system has two or more fluid pressure piston-and-cylinder assemblies. The cylinders are linked in pairs so that retraction of both piston rods reduces the length of the pair of assemblies to the length of a single assembly. Operation of both pistons in a pair provides an effective stroke twice the length of a single assembly stroke. In a particular embodiment, a double-cylinder system is used as a pickup system for elevating equipment along a mast in a well work over rig. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,871, issued on Oct. 30, 2007 to Williams, discloses a drilling apparatus that has a base from which a drilling arm is pivotally mounted. The drilling arm has an inner arm and an outer arm. The inner arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected by a first pivot joint to the base. The outer arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the inner arm is pivotally connected via a second pivot joint to the first end of the outer arm. A drill-mounting assembly is positioned at the second end of the outer arm. Actuation of the inner and outer arms is achieved by hydraulic cylinders. Proper operation of the cylinders causes the second end of the outer arm to follow a substantially linear path. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,598, issued on Dec. 21, 1999 to Andrychuk, discloses a mobile hybrid rig adapted to run coiled tubing and wireline equipment for oil and gas wells. The rig has a chassis and power unit for transporting the rig. An adjustable platform with a number of hydraulically-operated stabilizers align the tubing at the wellhead. A mast is pivotable into slanted or vertical positions for coil tubing operation with a blowout preventer and an injector. A cradle supports and aligns an injector to the wellhead. A coil-tubing reel cartridge assembly is adapted to run coil-tubing reels. A winching facility is used to manipulate wireline equipment. A control cabin is used to managing rig activities. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,253, issued on May 22, 2001 to Dallas, discloses a method and apparatus for servicing a well. The apparatus has a pair of hydraulic cylinders pivotally mounted to a pair of base beams. The cylinders are moveable from a horizontal position for transportation to a vertical position for operation. In the vertical position, the cylinders flank a wellhead and are adapted to lift the wellhead and attached production tubing using a workover beam and a lifting sub. The wellhead and production tubing can be rotated during or after elevation. A motor can be mounted to the workover beam to rotate the wellhead and the tubing. A calibrated pressure gauge can be used to indicate the weight being lifted. The apparatus can be connected to a crane truck. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,128, issued on Jul. 24, 2001 to Shampine et al., discloses a levelwind system for a coiled-tubing reel that has an arcuate guide arm extending over the upper surface of the reel, a universal joint mounted to the lower end of the arm, a guide member supported on the free end of the guide arm, a lift cylinder for raising and lowering the guide arm, a balancing cylinder for moving the guide arm laterally, and a hydraulic fluid circuit that is responsive to a position sensor and a microprocessor. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,286, issued on Aug. 13, 2002 to Andreychuk, discloses an injector arrangement for use in a rig that has a movable carrier, a derrick tiltably mounted to the carrier, and a trolley capable of sliding along the derrick. An injector cradle is movable along the trolley in at least a plane perpendicular to the derrick and is pivotally mountable beneath the trolley. An injector is supported at its upper end from the cradle. At least two hydraulic cylinders are supported at one end by the derrick. The cylinders are engaged at an opposed end to a lower end of the injector. 
         [0020]    In the pipe handling system of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/923,451, filed on Oct. 24, 2007, by the present applicant, it was found that fine adjustments of the boom could be necessary so as to precisely align the pipe with the well head. Also, it was found desirable to properly tension the boom during movement of the boom between the stowed position to the deployed position. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an alignment device for a boom that provides fine adjustments to the boom and the associated pipe. 
         [0022]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an alignment device that can selectively tension the boom during movement and positioning of the boom. 
         [0023]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an alignment device that can be easily applied to the boom and easily operated. 
         [0024]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an alignment device that can be remotely operated and automatically controlled. 
         [0025]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    The present invention is an alignment apparatus for a boom of a pipe handling device having a first line with a first end suitable for connection to the boom, a second line having a end connected to the first line, and an actuator means interconnected to at least one of the first and second lines for changing an angular relationship between the first and second lines. A connector member is connected to an end of the first line and to the end of the second line. The actuator means is cooperative with the connector member. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector member is a ring. 
         [0027]    The second line has an opposite end suitable for connection to a fixed surface away from the boom. In particular, second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship to the first cable. 
         [0028]    The actuator means comprises a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly having one end affixed to a fixed surface and an opposite end interconnected to the first and second lines. The hydraulic actuator extends in angularly offset relationship to the first and second lines. This actuator means is movable between a first position in which the first and second lines are untensioned and a second position in which first and second lines are tensioned. 
         [0029]    The present invention is also a pipe handling device that comprises a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, a first line having a first end affixed to the boom, a second line interconnected to an opposite end of the first line and interconnected to the frame, and an actuator means interconnected to the first and second lines. The actuator means serves to change an angular relationship of the first and second lines so as to selectively tension the first and second lines. The arm has a gripper at an end thereof opposite the boom so as to receive a tubular therein. 
         [0030]    In the present invention, the second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship with the first cable. Each of the first and second cable has an end affixed to the frame. A connector member affixed to an opposite end the of first and second cables. The opposite end of the first line is connected to the connector member. The actuator means is connected to the connector member. The first cable extends in an inverted V-shaped orientation relative to the second cable. The actuator means includes a piston-and-cylinder assembly having one end connected to the frame and an opposite end interconnected to the first and second lines. The piston-and-cylinder assembly extends in angularly offset relationship to the first and second lines. The piston-and-cylinder assembly is movable between a first position in which the first and second lines are untensioned and the second position in which the first and second lines are tensioned. 
         [0031]    The boom has a first end pivotally connected to the frame. The arm is pivotally connected to an opposite end of the boom. The first end of the first line is affixed to the boom between the first and second ends of the boom. A hydraulic actuator has an end connected to the frame and an opposite end connected to the boom. The hydraulic actuator is suitable for moving the boom between the first and second positions. The first and second lines of the actuator means are positioned on an opposite side of the boom from the hydraulic actuator. The piston-and-cylinder assembly has a piston rod with an end connected to the connector member and a cylinder having an end opposite the piston rod connected to the frame. A lever member is pivotally connected to an end of the boom opposite the frame. The arm is pivotally connected to the lever member. A link has one end pivotally connected to the frame and an opposite end pivotally connected to an end of the lever member opposite the arm. The gripper is affixed to the end of the arm opposite the lever member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as used on a pipe handling system. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  shows a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as used on a pipe handling system, with the system in a first position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  shows a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention as used on the pipe handling system, with the pipe handling system moving from the first position toward a second position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  shows a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention as used on a pipe handling system, with the pipe handling system moving further towards the second position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  shows a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention as used on a pipe handling system, with the pipe handling system in the second position. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  shows an isolated perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention attached to the boom of the pipe handling system. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  shows a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of the present invention as used with a pipe handling system  10 . The pipe handling system  10  is mounted on a frame  12  (such as a skid) that can be supported upon the bed  14  of a vehicle, such as a truck. The pipe handling system  10  includes a boom  16  that is pivotally movable between a first position and a second position relative to a frame  12 . In  FIG. 1 , an intermediate position of the pipe handling system  10  is particularly shown. In this position, the pipe  18  is illustrated in its position prior to installation on the drill rig  20 . A lever assembly  22  is pivotally connected to the boom  16 . An arm  24  is pivotally connected to an end of the lever assembly  22  opposite the boom  16 . A gripper assembly  26  is fixedly connected to an opposite end of the arm  24  opposite the lever assembly  22 . The gripper assembly  26  includes a stab frame  28  and grippers  30  and  32 . A link  34  has one end pivotally connected to the frame  12  and an opposite end pivotally connected to the end of the lever assembly  22  opposite the arm  24 . A brace  36  is pivotally connected to the boom  16  and also pivotally connected to the arm  24  between the lever assembly  22  and the stab frame  28  of gripping assembly  26 . 
         [0040]    The preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of the present invention has a first line  104  connected to the boom  16  of the pipe handling system  10 . A second line arrangement  106  is connected to an end of the first line  104  opposite the boom  16 . The second line arrangement has a first cable  106  connected to the first line  104 . A second cable  108  is connected to the first line  104 . An actuator means  102  is connected to the first line  104 . An end of the actuator means  102  opposite the first line  104  is connected the frame. An end of the second cable  108  opposite the first line  104  is connected to the frame  12 . An end of the first cable  106  opposite the first line  104  is connected to the frame  12 . The first cable  106  is connected to the first line  104  by a connector member, such as junction ring  110 . The second cable  108  is connected to the first line  104  by the junction ring  110 . The actuator  102  is connected to the first line  104  by junction ring  110 . The first line  104 , the first cable  106 , the second cable  108 , and the actuator  102  are of appropriate lengths so that the apparatus  100  is tensioned when the boom  16  is in the second position. The actuator  102  can be a hydraulic cylinder, a screw or a turnbuckle. In  FIG. 6 , the actuator  102  is a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder can be actuated so as to move a piston rod inwardly or outwardly of the cylinder. The actuator  102  varies the alignment of the boom  16  so as to vary the alignment of a pipe held by the boom  16 , and the pipe handling system  10 , over a wellhead. The apparatus  100  can finely adjust the position of the boom  16 . For example, if the apparatus  100  is positioned to a side of the boom  16 , then the apparatus  100  would align the boom laterally with respect to the wellhead. If the apparatus  100  were positioned in front or behind the boom  16 , then the boom would be aligned forward or backward of the wellhead. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  illustrates the drill pipe  18  in a generally horizontal orientation. In the present invention, it is important to note that the drill pipe can be delivered to the apparatus  10  in a position below the boom  16 . In particular, the drill pipe can be loaded upon the skid  12  in a location generally adjacent to the grippers  30  and  32  associated with the gripping means  26 . As such, the present invention facilitates the easy delivery of the drill pipe to the desired location. The gripper  30  and  32  will grip the outer diameter of the pipe  18  in this horizontal orientation. 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the boom  16  resides above the drill pipe  18  and in generally parallel relationship to the top surface of the skid  12 . The riser assembly  22  is suitably pivoted so that the arm  24  extends through the interior of the framework of the boom  16  and such that the gripping means  26  engages the pipe  18 . The brace  36  resides in connection with the small framework of the boom  16  and also is pivotally connected to the arm  24 . The link  34  will reside below the boom  16  generally adjacent to the upper surface of the skid  12  and is connected to the second portion  50  of the riser assembly  22  below the boom  16 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows an intermediate position of the drill pipe  18  during the movement from the horizontal orientation to the vertical orientation. As can be seen, the gripping means  26  has engaged with the pipe  18 . The riser assembly  22  is pivoting so that the end  70  of pipe  18  will pass through the interior of the framework of the boom  16 . Also, the arm associated with the gripping means  26  serves to move the body  28  of the gripping means  26  through the interior of the framework of the boom  16 . The brace  36  is pulling on the first portion  48  of riser assembly  22  so as cause this motion to occur. The link  34  is pulling on the end of the second portion  50  of the riser assembly  22  so as to draw the first portion  48  upwardly and to cause the movement of the body  28  of the gripping means  26 . The hydraulic actuators  56  and  58  have been operated so as to urge the boom  16  pivotally upwardly. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a further intermediate movement of the drill pipe  18 . Once again, the hydraulic actuators  56  and  58  urge the boom  16  angularly upwardly away from the top surface of the skid  12 . This causes the link  34  to have a pulling force on the pivotal connection  68  of the second portion  50  of the riser assembly  22 . This causes the first portion  48  of the riser assembly  22  to move upwardly thereby causing the arm  24 , in combination with the brace  36  to lift the gripping means  26  further upwardly and draw the pipe  18  completely through the interior of the boom  16 . As can be seen, the relative size and relation of the various components of the present invention achieve the movement of the pipe  18  without the need for separate hydraulic actuators. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  illustrates the drill pipe  18  in its vertical orientation. As can be seen, the drill pipe  18  is positioned directly above the underlying pipe  62  on the drilling rig  20 . The further upward pivotal movement of the boom  16  is caused by the hydraulic cylinders  56  and  58 . This causes the link  34  to rotate and draw the end of the second portion  50  of the riser assembly  22  downwardly. The riser assembly  22  rotates about the pivot point  40  such that the first portion  48  of the riser assembly  22  has a pivot  72  at its upper end. The brace  36  is now rotated in a position so as to provide support for the arm  24  in this upper position. The gripping means  26  has grippers  30  and  32  aligned vertically and in spaced parallel relationship to each other. If any further precise movement is required between the bottom end  80  of the pipe  18  and the upper end  82  of pipe  62 , then the vehicle  14  can be moved slightly so as to achieve further precise movement. In the manner described hereinbefore, the drill pipe  18  has achieved a completely vertical orientation by virtue of the interrelationship of the various components of the present invention and without the need for complex control mechanisms and hydraulics. 
         [0046]    In order to install the drill pipe  18  upon the pipe  62 , it is only necessary to vertically translate the grippers  30  and  32  within the body  28  of the gripping means  26 . As such, the end  80  can be stabbed into the box connection  82  of pipe  62 . Suitable tongs, spinners, or other mechanisms can be utilized so as to rotate the pipe  18  in order to achieve a desired connection. The grippers  30  and  32  can then be released from the exterior of the pipe  18  and returned back to the original position such that another length of drill pipe can be installed. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown an isolated view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of the present invention. In  FIG. 7 , the actuator  102  of the apparatus  100  is a hydraulic cylinder  101 . The hydraulic cylinder  101  is connected to a hydraulic power supply  103 . The hydraulic power supply  103  transfers hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder  101  so as to increase and decrease the length of the actuator  102 . 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 7 , it can be seen that the first line  104  is connected, at one end, to the ring  110 . First cable  106  and second cable  108  each have one end fixedly connected to the frame  12  and an opposite end connected to the ring  110 . The first cable  106  and the second cable  108  extend in an inverted V-shaped angular relationship to each other. The actuator  102  has a piston rod that has an end connected to the ring  110 . The actuator  102  has an opposite end connected to the frame  12 . When the hydraulic power supply  103  introduces hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder  101 , the piston rod can be pushed outwardly so as to change the angular relationship between the first line  104  and the first cable  106  and the second cable  108 . When the piston rod of the actuator  102  is pulled inwardly, a different angular orientation between the first line  104  and the first cable  106  and second cable  108  is achieved. In the position shown in  FIG. 7 , the relationship between the first line  104  and the first cable  106  and the second cable  108  is relatively untensioned. However, by the movement of the piston rod of the actuator  102 , along with the movement of the ring  110 , the angular orientation can be changed so as to properly tension the first line  104 , the first cable  106  and the second cable  108 . As a result, by relatively small movements of the ring  110 , the first line  104 , the first cable  106  and the second cable  108 , proper fine adjustments of the boom can be achieved. As a result, the present mechanism, the operator to finely adjust the position of the tubular as held by the grippers of the pipe handling apparatus. 
         [0049]    Various techniques, such as laser measurement, can be utilized so as to properly orient the pipe with the wellhead. In this manner, proper signals can be transmitted to the hydraulic power supply  103  so as to manipulate the actuator  102  for the fine adjustment of the boom. 
         [0050]    The present invention also allows additional tension to be applied to the boom. In certain circumstances, the weight of the load carried by the grippers of the pipe handling apparatus can cause certain movements or deflections of the boom. By placing the first line  104 , along with the first cable  106  and the second cable  108 , into a properly tensioned condition, the boom can achieve proper strength so as to avoid such deflections and movements. Additionally, through the use of the apparatus  100  of the present invention, the actual weight of the components of the pipe handling apparatus of the present invention can be reduced since proper tensioning can be achieved without the need for heavy structural components. 
         [0051]    The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction and method can be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the present specification and appended claims.