CASING RUNNING ROTARY INSERTS

A casing running rotary insert can include a base having a first aperture that traverses therethrough. The casing running rotary insert can also include a rotary table engagement feature that extends from a bottom surface of the base, where the rotary table engagement feature is configured to engage a complementary feature of a rotary table to fix a position of the base relative to the rotary table, and where the aperture in the base is configured to align with a second aperture in the rotary table when the rotary table engagement feature is engaged with the complementary feature of the rotary table. The casing running rotary insert can further include a casing bowl engagement feature that extends from a top surface of the base, where the casing bowl engagement feature is configured to engage a casing bowl to fix a position of the casing bowl relative to the base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to casing running rotary inserts, and more particularly, to surface and intermediate hole section casing running bowl rotary lock boxes, for use while running casing on land rigs, to improve performance and improve safety of casing running and rig operations.

BACKGROUND

While running casing into a borehole during drilling operations, generally a surface and intermediate hole section casing bowl and three to four heavy duty stability chains are used to anchor the bowl. The bowl is typically used to hold and run the casing during casing running operations, and the chains prevent the bowl from rotating with the force of the pipe (casing) being screwed together. In many cases however, there is non-productive time by having to re-screw, or make-up, pipe due to this bowl movement and to readjust for the slack in the chains. The chains, which are used to prevent as much movement as possible, can also act as a trip hazard during the operation.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved system for safely minimizing movement of the surface and intermediate hole section casing bowl during drilling operations.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a casing running rotary insert that includes a base having a first aperture that traverses therethrough. The casing running rotary insert can also include a rotary table engagement feature that extends from a bottom surface of the base, where the rotary table engagement feature is configured to engage a complementary feature of a rotary table to fix a position of the base relative to the rotary table, and where the aperture in the base is configured to align with a second aperture in the rotary table when the rotary table engagement feature is engaged with the complementary feature of the rotary table. The casing running rotary insert can further include a casing bowl engagement feature that extends from a top surface of the base, where the casing bowl engagement feature is configured to engage a casing bowl to fix a position of the casing bowl relative to the base.

In other aspects, the disclosure relates to a casing running rotary insert assembly that can include a casing bowl having a height, a length, a width, and a first aperture that traverses therethrough along the height. The casing running rotary insert assembly can also include a casing running rotary insert, which can include a base having a second aperture that traverses therethrough. The casing running rotary insert of the casing running rotary insert assembly can also include a rotary table engagement feature that extends from a bottom surface of the base, where the rotary table engagement feature is configured to engage a complementary feature of a rotary table to fix a position of the base relative to the rotary table, and where the second aperture in the base is configured to align with a third aperture in the rotary table when the rotary table engagement feature is engaged with the complementary feature of the rotary table. The casing running rotary insert of the casing running rotary insert assembly can further include a casing bowl engagement feature that extends from a top surface of the base, where the casing bowl engagement feature is configured to engage the casing bowl to fix a position of the casing bowl relative to the base, and wherein the first aperture and the second aperture align with each other when the casing bowl engagement feature engages the casing bowl.

In yet other aspects, the disclosure relates to a casing string manipulation system that includes a casing bowl having a height, a length, a width, and a first aperture that traverses therethrough along the height. The casing string manipulation system can also include a rotary table having a second aperture that traverses therethrough and a casing running rotary insert engagement feature. The casing string manipulation system can further include a casing running rotary insert, which can include a base having a third aperture that traverses therethrough. The casing running rotary insert of the casing string manipulation system can also include a rotary table engagement feature that extends from a bottom surface of the base, where the rotary table engagement feature is configured to engage the casing running rotary insert engagement feature of the rotary table to fix a position of the base relative to the rotary table, and where the third aperture in the base is configured to align with the second aperture in the rotary table when the rotary table engagement feature is engaged with the casing running rotary insert engagement feature of the rotary table. The casing running rotary insert of the casing string manipulation system can further include a casing bowl engagement feature that extends from a top surface of the base, where the casing bowl engagement feature is configured to engage the casing bowl to fix a position of the casing bowl relative to the base, and wherein the first aperture and the third aperture align with each other when the casing bowl engagement feature engages the casing bowl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, example embodiments provide systems, methods, and devices for casing running rotary inserts. Example embodiments can provide a number of benefits. Such benefits can include, but are not limited to, minimal interruption time of an operation (e.g., tripping in casing), ease of installation and uninstallation, improved safety, improved efficiency, and compliance with industry standards that apply to wireline operations. Example embodiments described herein are directed for use in certain environments (e.g., hazardous, maritime, land-based) in which casing operations are conducted.

As defined herein, a user may be any person that is involved with a field operation that includes tripping in and/or tripping out a casing string and/or a tubing string. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, a drilling engineer, a roughneck, a company representative, a mechanic, an operator, an employee, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer's representative. Example casing running rotary inserts can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials to allow the casing running rotary inserts to meet certain standards and/or regulations while also maintaining durability in light of the one or more conditions under which the casing running rotary inserts may be exposed. Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, plastic (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon), and a polymer (e.g., an acetal homopolymer, a copolymer of terephthalic acid (1,4) and ethylene glycol).

Example casing running rotary inserts, or portions or components thereof, described herein can be made from a single piece (e.g., from a mold, using injection molding, using a die cast process, using a milling and/or lathing process, using an extrusion process, 3D printing). In addition, or in the alternative, example casing running rotary inserts (including portions or components thereof) can be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In such a case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but not limited to epoxy, welding, fastening devices, compression fittings, mating threads, snap fittings, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixed hinged, removable, sliding, rotatable e, and threaded.

The use of the terms “substantially”, “about”, “approximately”, and similar terms apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider as a reasonable amount of deviation to the recited numeric values (i.e., having the equivalent function or result). For example, this term may be construed as including a deviation of +10 percent of the given numeric value provided such a deviation does not alter the end function or result of the value. Therefore, an angle that is substantially perpendicular may be construed to be within a range from 81° to 99°. Furthermore, a range may be construed to include the start and the end of the range. For example, a range of 10% to 20% (i.e., range of 10%-20%) includes 10% and also includes 20%, and includes percentages in between 10% and 20%, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Similarly, a range of between 10% and 20% (i.e., range between 10%-20%) includes 10% and also includes 20%, and includes percentages in between 10% and 20%, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

A “subterranean formation” refers to practically any volume under a surface. For example, it may be practically any volume under a terrestrial surface (e.g., a land surface), practically any volume under a seafloor, etc. Each subsurface volume of interest may have a variety of characteristics, such as petrophysical rock properties, reservoir fluid properties, reservoir conditions, hydrocarbon properties, or any combination thereof. For example, each subsurface volume of interest may be associated with one or more of: temperature, porosity, salinity, permeability, water composition, mineralogy, hydrocarbon type, hydrocarbon quantity, reservoir location, pressure, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the characteristics are many, including, but not limited to: shale gas, shale oil, tight gas, tight oil, tight carbonate, carbonate, vuggy carbonate, unconventional (e.g., a permeability of less than 25 millidarcy (mD) such as a permeability of from 0.000001 mD to 25 mD)), diatomite, geothermal, mineral, etc. The terms “formation”, “subsurface formation”, “hydrocarbon-bearing formation”, “reservoir”, “subsurface reservoir”, “subsurface area of interest”, “subsurface region of interest”, “subsurface volume of interest”, and the like may be used synonymously. The term “subterranean formation” is not limited to any description or configuration described herein.

A “well” or a “wellbore” refers to a single hole, usually cylindrical, that is drilled into a subsurface volume of interest. A well or a wellbore may be drilled in one or more directions. For example, a well or a wellbore may include a vertical well, a horizontal well, a deviated well, and/or other type of well. A well or a wellbore may be drilled in the subterranean formation for exploration and/or recovery of resources. A plurality of wells (e.g., tens to hundreds of wells) or a plurality of wellbores are often used in a field depending on the desired outcome.

A well or a wellbore may be drilled into a subsurface volume of interest using practically any drilling technique and equipment known in the art, such as geo-steering, directional drilling, etc. Drilling the well may include using a tool, such as a drilling tool that includes a drill bit and a drill string. Drilling fluid, such as drilling mud, may be used while drilling in order to cool the drill tool and remove cuttings. Other tools may also be used while drilling or after drilling, such as measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools, seismic-while-drilling tools, wireline tools, logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools, or other downhole tools. After drilling to a predetermined depth, the drill string and the drill bit may be removed, and then the casing, the tubing, and/or other equipment may be installed according to the design of the well. The equipment to be used in drilling the well may be dependent on the design of the well, the subterranean formation, the hydrocarbons, and/or other factors.

A well may include a plurality of components, such as, but not limited to, a casing, a liner, a tubing string, a sensor, a packer, a screen, a gravel pack, artificial lift equipment (e.g., an electric submersible pump (ESP)), and/or other components. If a well is drilled offshore, the well may include one or more of the previous components plus other offshore components, such as a riser. A well may also include equipment to control fluid flow into the well, control fluid flow out of the well, or any combination thereof. For example, a well may include a wellhead, a choke, a valve, and/or other control devices. These control devices may be located on the surface, in the subsurface (e.g., downhole in the well), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the same control devices may be used to control fluid flow into and out of the well.

In some embodiments, different control devices may be used to control fluid flow into and out of a well. In some embodiments, the rate of flow of fluids through the well may depend on the fluid handling capacities of the surface facility that is in fluidic communication with the well. The equipment to be used in controlling fluid flow into and out of a well may be dependent on the well, the subsurface region, the surface facility, and/or other factors. Moreover, sand control equipment and/or sand monitoring equipment may also be installed (e.g., downhole and/or on the surface). A well can on occasion use wireline services for wellbore evaluation (“logging”), equipment retrieval (“fishing”), conveyance of downhole tools, and the like. A well may also include any completion hardware that is not discussed separately. The term “well” may be used synonymously with the terms “borehole,” “wellbore,” or “well bore.” The term “well” is not limited to any description or configuration described herein.

It is understood that when combinations, subsets, groups, etc. of elements are disclosed (e.g., combinations of components in a composition, or combinations of steps in a method), that while specific reference of each of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these elements may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. By way of example, if an item is described herein as including a component of type A, a component of type B, a component of type C, or any combination thereof, it is understood that this phrase describes all of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components. For example, in some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type A.

In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type B. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A and a component of type B. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A and a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type B and a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A, a component of type B, and a component of type C.

In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type A (e.g., A1 and A2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type B (e.g., B1 and B2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type C (e.g., C1 and C2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type A (A1 and A2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type B), and optionally one or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type C).

In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type B (B1 and B2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type A), and optionally one or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type C). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type C (C1 and C2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type A), and optionally one or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type B).

In the foregoing figures showing example embodiments of casing running rotary inserts, one or more of the components shown may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, example embodiments of casing running rotary inserts should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in any of the figures. For example, features shown in one or more figures or described with respect to one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment associated with a different figure or description.

In certain example embodiments, systems using example casing running rotary inserts are subject to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. Examples of entities that set such standards and/or requirements can include, but are not limited to, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the American Petroleum Institute (API), the International Standards Organization (ISO), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Use of example embodiments described herein meet (and/or allow the wireline systems to meet) such standards and/or requirements when applicable.

If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described with respect to that figure, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for a corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three-digit number or a four-digit number, and corresponding components in other figures have the identical last two digits.

In addition, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in a figure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does not mean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable of having such a feature or component. For example, for purposes of present or future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as not being included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particular drawings is capable of being included in one or more claims that correspond to such one or more particular drawings herein.

Example embodiments of casing running rotary inserts will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of casing running rotary inserts are shown. Casing running rotary inserts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of casing running rotary inserts to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “above”, “below”, “inner”, “outer”, “distal”, “proximal”, “end”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, and “within”, when present, are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation. Such terms are not meant to limit embodiments of casing running rotary inserts. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

FIG.1shows a general system diagram of a casing running rotary insert100according to certain example embodiments. The example casing running rotary insert100(also sometimes referred to herein as a casing bowl lock box) ofFIG.1includes a base110, a rotary table engagement feature135that extends from the bottom of the base110, and a casing bowl engagement feature125that extends from the top of the base110. The casing running rotary insert100may also include any number (e.g., one, two, four) of lifting mechanism receiving features101(e.g., pad eyes) that are configured to receive part (e.g., a cable) of a lifting mechanism (e.g., a crane) for moving the casing running rotary insert100. In this case, there are Z lifting mechanism receiving features101(lifting mechanism receiving feature101-1through lifting mechanism receiving feature101-Z).

The base110of the casing running rotary insert100includes an aperture115that traverses the thickness111of the base110. The lengthwise axis of aperture115may be substantially coincident with the substantial center of the base110. The aperture115may be cylindrical (may be circular in shape when viewed from above). Alternatively, the aperture115may have any of a number of other non-circular shapes (e.g., square, oval, clover-shaped, random) when viewed from above. The aperture115has a width119, which may also be the same as or different than the length of aperture115. The aperture115is designed to coincide with an aperture248in a rotary table240(discussed below with respect toFIGS.2A and2B) and an aperture385in a casing bowl380(discussed below with respect toFIGS.3A and3B).

The thickness111of the base110may be substantially uniform throughout, making the base110planar. In alternative embodiments, the thickness111of the base110may vary at multiple points along the base110. When viewed from above, the base110may have any type of shape, including but not limited to square, rectangular, oval, circular, octagonal, and random. The base110has a width112, which may also be the same as or different than a length of the base110.

In some cases, the base110may include one or more optional relief features114(also sometimes called aperture relief features114), each of which is configured to allow fluids (e.g., oil, working fluid, water) that flow up from a rotary table (e.g., rotary table240), out of a casing string (e.g., casing string790), and/or out of some other component of a system used to assemble or disassemble a casing string away from the casing running rotary insert100. A relief feature114may additionally or alternatively provide mechanical stress relief as various forces are applied to the base110of the casing running rotary insert100during field operations (e.g., making up a tubing string, breaking out a tubing string). A relief feature114of the base110may have any of a number of configurations and/or features. For example, a relief feature114may be in the form of an opening that spans from the aperture115that traverses the thickness111of the base110to an outer perimeter of the base110. As another example, a relief feature114of the base110may be in the form of a slope that starts at the aperture115and ends at or before the outer perimeter of the base110.

The rotary table engagement feature135of the casing running rotary insert100extends from a bottom surface of the base110. In certain example embodiments, the rotary table engagement feature135is configured to engage a complementary feature of a rotary table (e.g., rotary table240discussed below with respect toFIGS.2A and2B). When this occurs, the rotary table engagement feature135fixes the position of the base110(and the rest of the casing running rotary insert100) relative to the rotary table. In some cases, the aperture115in the base110may be configured to align with a hole in the rotary table when the rotary table engagement feature135is engaged with the one or more complementary feature of the rotary table. In some cases, the rotary table engagement feature135is configured to have no overlap with the aperture115that traverses the thickness111of the base110.

The rotary table engagement feature135of the casing running rotary insert100may have any of a number of components130(also referred to herein as rotary table engagement feature components130). For example, the rotary table engagement feature135may include one or more components130in the form of walls or other types of protrusions that are positioned around some or all of the perimeter of the aperture115that traverses the thickness111of the base110along the bottom surface of the base110. In this example, there may be X components130(component130-1through component130-X) of the rotary table engagement feature135. If a casing running rotary insert100has a rotary table engagement feature135with multiple components130, the configuration (e.g., shape, size) of one component130of the rotary table engagement feature135may be the same as, or different than, the configuration of one or more of the other components130of the rotary table engagement feature135. Collectively, the components130of the rotary table engagement feature135may have a height131and a width132.

In some cases, the rotary table engagement feature135may include one or more optional relief features134(also sometimes called rotary table engagement relief features134), each of which is configured to allow fluids (e.g., oil, working fluid, water) that flow up from a rotary table (e.g., rotary table240), out of a casing string (e.g., casing string790), and/or out of some other component of a system used to assemble or disassemble a casing string away from the casing running rotary insert100. A relief feature134may additionally or alternatively provide mechanical stress relief as various forces are applied to the rotary table engagement feature135of the casing running rotary insert100during field operations (e.g., making up a tubing string, breaking out a tubing string). A relief feature134of the rotary table engagement feature135may have any of a number of configurations and/or features. For example, a relief feature134may be in the form of a break in continuity in the rotary table engagement feature135around the entire outer perimeter of the aperture115that traverses the thickness111of the base110.

The casing bowl engagement feature125of the casing running rotary insert100extends from a top surface of the base110. In certain example embodiments, the casing bowl engagement feature125is configured to engage a casing bowl (e.g., casing bowl380discussed below with respect toFIGS.3A and3B) to fix a position of the casing bowl relative to the base110of the casing running rotary insert100. In some cases, the aperture115in the base110may be configured to align with an aperture in the casing bowl when the casing bowl engagement feature125is engaged with the casing bowl. In some cases, the casing bowl engagement feature125is configured to have no overlap with the aperture115that traverses the thickness111of the base110.

The casing bowl engagement feature125of the casing running rotary insert100may have any of a number of components120(also referred to herein as casing bowl engagement feature components120). For example, the casing bowl engagement feature125may include one or more components120in the form of walls or other types of protrusions that are positioned around some or all of the outer perimeter of the base110along the top surface of the base110. In this example, there may be Y components120(component120-1through component120-Y) of the casing bowl engagement feature125. If a casing running rotary insert100has a casing bowl engagement feature125with multiple components120, the configuration (e.g., shape, size) of one component120of the one casing bowl engagement feature125may be the same as, or different than, the configuration of one or more of the other components120of the casing bowl engagement feature125. Collectively, the components120of the casing bowl engagement feature125may have a height121and a width122.

In some cases, the casing bowl engagement feature125may include one or more optional relief features124(also sometimes called casing bowl engagement relief features124), each of which is configured to allow fluids (e.g., oil, working fluid, water) that flow up from a rotary table (e.g., rotary table240), out of a casing string (e.g., casing string790), and/or out of some other component of a system used to assemble or disassemble a casing string away from the casing running rotary insert100. A relief feature124may additionally or alternatively provide mechanical stress relief as various forces are applied to the casing bowl engagement feature125of the casing running rotary insert100during field operations (e.g., making up a tubing string, breaking out a tubing string). A relief feature124of the casing bowl engagement feature125may have any of a number of configurations and/or features. For example, a relief feature124may be in the form of a break in continuity in the casing bowl engagement feature125around the top surface of the entire outer perimeter of the base110.

FIGS.2A and2Bshow various views of a rotary table240with which example embodiments may be used. Specifically,FIG.2Ashows a top view of the rotary table240, andFIG.2Bshows a cross-sectional side view of the rotary table240. Referring to the description above with respect toFIG.1, the rotary table240ofFIGS.2A and2Bis configured to rotate and/or be held still (no rotation) using a mechanical drive (e.g., a motor and gear assembly), which is not shown here. The rotary table240has a body255defined by a top surface242and having a length253, a width257, and a height249. The body255may be cylindrical (may be circular in shape when viewed from above), as in this case. Alternatively, the body255may have any of a number of other non-circular shapes (e.g., square, oval, clover-shaped, random) when viewed from above.

The rotary table240has an aperture248that traverses its height249. The lengthwise axis of the aperture248may be substantially coincident with the substantial center of the body255. The aperture248may be cylindrical (may be circular in shape when viewed from above), as in this case. Alternatively, the aperture248may have any of a number of other non-circular shapes (e.g., square, oval, clover-shaped, random) when viewed from above. The aperture248has a width252, which may also be the same as or different than a length256of the aperture248. The aperture248is defined by one or more walls259.

Also disposed within the body255of the rotary table240is a recessed area245that is positioned vertically aligned with and atop the aperture248. The recessed area245in this case is larger (when viewed from above) than the aperture248. Because the aperture248and the recessed area245are concentric with respect to each other along the vertical axis, all of the aperture248is contained within the footprint of the recessed area245when viewed from above, as shown inFIG.2A. The one or more parts of the recessed area245that are visible (that extend beyond the outer perimeter of the aperture248) when viewed from above are defined by a bottom wall244. The recessed area245has a height241, and the aperture248(outside of the recessed area) has a height247, where the height241and the height247are equal to the overall height249of the body255of the rotary table240.

The recessed area245may have any of a number of shapes and/or sizes. In this case, the recessed area245is a three-dimensional rectangle having a length246(at least as great as the length256of the aperture248), a width251(at least as great as the width252of the aperture248), and the height241. Other shapes of the recessed area245may include, but are not limited to, a three-dimensional octagon, a three-dimensional triangle, a three-dimensional pentagram, and a random three-dimensional shape.

The recessed area245may include one or more casing running rotary insert engagement features243that are configured to engage the rotary table engagement feature135(including its components130) of the example casing running rotary insert100. In this case, there are four casing running rotary insert engagement features243(casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-1, casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-2, casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-3, and casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-4) in the form of vertical walls that define the length246and the width251of the recessed area245. A casing running rotary insert engagement feature243may have any of a number of other configurations, including but not limited to a protrusion, a slot, a detent, a tab, and a recess.

FIGS.3A and3Bshow various views of a casing bowl380with which example embodiments may be used. Specifically,FIG.3Ashows a top view of the casing bowl380, andFIG.3Bshows a side view of the casing bowl380. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through2B, the casing bowl380ofFIGS.3A and3Bis configured to accommodate increasingly lengthening or shortening casing strings as casing stands (one or more (e.g., three) casing pipes) are added to or removed from the casing string. The casing bowl380has a body384having a length382, a width381, and a height383. The body384may be a three-dimensional rectangle (e.g., may be square in shape when viewed from above), as in this case. Alternatively, the body384may have any of a number of other shapes (e.g., circular, oval, clover-shaped, random) when viewed from above.

The body384of the casing bowl380has an aperture385that traverses therethrough along its height383. The aperture385is configured to receive casing pipes therein. In this case, the aperture385is cylindrical with the height383and a diameter equal to the length372and the width371. The diameter of the aperture385is configured to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the casing pipes of the casing string. In this way, one or more slips (e.g., the slips702ofFIG.7below) may be inserted (wedged) into the aperture385of the casing bowl380around a tubing pipe of a tubing string to affix the tubing string relative to the casing bowl380.

In some cases, the body384of the casing bowl380is made of multiple pieces that are coupled to each other using one or more coupling features388. In this case, the body384is made of two pieces that are coupled to each other using two coupling features388(coupling feature388-1and coupling feature388-2). The coupling features388may take any of a number of forms, including but not limited to hinges, bolts, and welds. The casing bowl380may be or include an insert bowl. The casing bowl380may also include any number (e.g., one, two, four) of lifting mechanism receiving features386(e.g., pad eyes) that are configured to receive part (e.g., a cable) of a lifting mechanism (e.g., a crane) for moving the casing bowl380relative to a casing running rotary insert (e.g., the casing running rotary insert400below). In this case, there are 2 lifting mechanism receiving features386(lifting mechanism receiving feature386-1and lifting mechanism receiving feature386-2).

FIGS.4A through4Cshow various views of an example casing running rotary insert400according to certain example embodiments. Specifically,FIG.4Ashows a front view of the casing running rotary insert400.FIG.4Bshows a top view of the casing running rotary insert400.FIG.4Cshows a bottom view of the casing running rotary insert400. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through3B, the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4Cis an example of the casing running rotary insert100discussed above with respect toFIG.1and is designed to complement the rotary table240ofFIGS.2A and2Band the casing bowl380ofFIGS.3A and3Babove.

For example, the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4Cincludes a base410, a rotary table engagement feature435that extends from the bottom of the base410, and a casing bowl engagement feature425that extends from the top of the base410. The casing running rotary insert400in this case also includes two lifting mechanism receiving features401(lifting mechanism receiving feature401-1and lifting mechanism receiving feature401-2) that are configured to receive part (e.g., a cable) of a lifting mechanism (e.g., a crane) for moving the casing running rotary insert400.

The base410of the casing running rotary insert400includes an aperture415that traverses the thickness411of the base410. The lengthwise axis of aperture415in this case is substantially coincident with the substantial center of the base410. The aperture415in this case is clover-shaped when viewed from above. The aperture415has a width419, which may also be the same as or different than the length of the aperture415. As shown inFIGS.6A and6Bbelow, the aperture415is designed to coincide with the aperture248in a rotary table240and the aperture385in the casing bowl380. The thickness411of the base410in this case is substantially uniform throughout, making the base410planar. When viewed from above, the base410in this case is substantially square such that the width412of the base is substantially the same as the length429of the base410.

In this example, the base410includes one relief feature414(also sometimes called an aperture relief feature414), which is configured to allow fluids (e.g., oil, working fluid, water) that flow up from a rotary table240, out of a casing string (e.g., casing string790), and/or out of some other component of a system used to assemble or disassemble a casing string away from the casing running rotary insert400. A relief feature414may additionally or alternatively provide mechanical stress relief as various forces are applied to the base410of the casing running rotary insert400during field operations (e.g., making up a tubing string, breaking out a tubing string). In this case, the relief feature414is in the form of an opening that spans from the aperture415that traverses the thickness411of the base410to an outer perimeter of the base410at the front.

The rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4Cextends from the bottom surface of the base410. The rotary table engagement feature435is configured to engage (in this case, abut against) multiple casing running rotary insert engagement features243of the recessed area245of the rotary table240. When this occurs, the rotary table engagement feature435fixes the position of the base410(and the rest of the casing running rotary insert400) relative to the rotary table240. As shown below with respect toFIGS.6A through7, the aperture415in the base410aligns with the aperture248in the rotary table240when the rotary table engagement feature435is engaged with the casing running rotary insert engagement features243of the recessed area245of the rotary table240. In this example, the rotary table engagement feature435has no overlap with the aperture415that traverses the thickness411of the base410.

In this case, the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400has three components430(component430-1, component430-2, and component430-3) that are in the form of walls that are positioned around three sides of the perimeter of the aperture415that traverses the thickness411of the base410along the bottom surface of the base410. In this case, each of the three adjacent rotary table engagement feature components430has a height that is configured to be no greater than a height241of the casing running rotary insert engagement features243of the rotary table240. The configuration (e.g., length, width, depth) of each component430of the rotary table engagement feature435are substantially the same as each other. In this example, the rotary table engagement feature435also includes a relief feature434(also sometimes called a rotary table engagement relief feature434) in the form of an opening (a lack of a fourth wall or other barrier) between the distal ends of component430-1and component430-3along the bottom surface of the base410adjacent to the aperture415that traverses the thickness411of the base410.

In this configuration of the rotary table engagement feature435, component430-1and component430-2are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, and component430-2and component430-3are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle. In this configuration, the components430of the rotary table engagement feature435has an open front side (opposite component430-2, in the form of the relief feature434), a width462(defined between the inner surfaces of component430-1and component430-3), a length433(defined by the length of component430-1or component430-3), and a height431(defined between the height431of each of the components430of the rotary table engagement feature435). The width462is at least as great as the width419of the aperture415that traverses the base410. The overall width432(defined between the outer surfaces of component430-1and component430-3) of the rotary table engagement feature435in this case is less than the overall width412of the base410, and the overall length433of the rotary table engagement feature435in this case is less than the overall length429of the base410.

The casing bowl engagement feature425of the casing running rotary insert400extends from the top surface of the base410. As discussed above, the casing bowl engagement feature425is configured to engage the casing bowl380in order to fix the position of the casing bowl380relative to the base410of the casing running rotary insert400. The casing bowl engagement feature425is configured in such a way that the aperture415in the base410aligns with the aperture385in the casing bowl380when the casing bowl engagement feature425is engaged with the casing bowl380. In this case, the casing bowl engagement feature425is also configured to have no overlap with the aperture415that traverses the thickness411of the base410.

In this example, the casing bowl engagement feature425of the casing running rotary insert400has five components420(component420-1, component420-2, component420-3, component420-4, and component420-5) that are in the form of walls positioned around most of the outer perimeter of the base410along the top surface of the base410. The configuration (e.g., shape, size) of component420-2, component420-3, and component420-4are substantially the same as each other. Similarly, the configuration of component420-1and component420-5are substantially the same as each other and have a shorter length than the length of component420-2, component420-3, and component420-4.

In this configuration of the casing bowl engagement feature425, component420-1and component420-2are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, component420-2and component420-3are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, component420-3and component420-4are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, and component420-4and component420-5are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle. In this configuration, the components420of the casing bowl engagement feature425form a cavity416having an open top end, a mostly open front side (in the form of a relief feature424), a mostly open bottom (in the form of the aperture415in the base410), a width422(defined between the inner surfaces of component420-2and component420-4), a length423(defined between the inner surfaces of component420-3and either component420-1or component420-5), and a height421(defined between the height421of each of the components420of the casing bowl engagement feature425).

The overall width412(defined between the outer surfaces of component420-2and component420-4) of the casing bowl engagement feature425in this case is the same as the overall width412of the base410, and the overall length429(defined between the outer surfaces of component420-3and either component420-1or component420-5) of the casing bowl engagement feature425in this case is the same as the overall length429of the base410.

The casing bowl engagement feature425in this case includes a relief feature424(also sometimes called a casing bowl engagement relief feature424) by virtue of the opening between component420-1and component420-5that traverses their height. The relief feature424of the casing bowl engagement feature425in this case is in the form of an opening that is coincident with the relief feature414of the base410. Specifically, the relief feature424of the casing bowl engagement feature425coincides with the relief feature414of the base410, which spans from the aperture415that traverses the base410to the outer perimeter of the base410.

FIGS.5A and5Bshow subassembly599that includes the casing bowl380ofFIGS.3A and3Band the example casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A and4Baccording to certain example embodiments. Specifically,FIG.5Ashows a front view of subassembly599, andFIG.5Bshows a top view of subassembly599. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through4C, the subassembly599ofFIGS.5A and5Bshows the casing bowl380positioned within the cavity416formed by the components420of the casing bowl engagement feature425of the casing running rotary insert400.

As discussed above, in this configuration of the casing bowl engagement feature425, component420-1and component420-2are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, component420-2and component420-3are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, component420-3and component420-4are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, and component420-4and component420-5are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle. In this way, the casing bowl engagement feature425surrounds most, but not all, of an outer perimeter of the casing bowl380.

In this configuration, the components420of the casing bowl engagement feature425form the cavity416having an open top end through which the casing bowl380extends, a mostly open front side (in the form of the relief feature424) that exposes most of a side of the body384of the casing bowl380, a width422(defined by the inner surfaces of component420-2and component420-4) that is at least as great as the width381of the casing bowl380, a length423(defined by the inner surfaces of component420-3and either component420-1or component420-5) that is at least as great as the length382of the casing bowl380, and a height421(defined by the height421of each of the components420of the casing bowl engagement feature425) that is in this case is less than the height383of the casing bowl380. In alternative embodiments, the height421of the casing bowl engagement feature425may be the same as or greater than the height383of the casing bowl380.

The subassembly599ofFIGS.5A and5Bshows that the rotary table engagement feature435, including its components430(component430-1, component430-2, and component430-3), have no direct interaction with the casing bowl380when the casing bowl380is engaged with the casing bowl engagement feature425of the casing running rotary insert400. Also, when viewed from above, as inFIG.5B, the base410of the casing running rotary insert400is obscured by the body384of the casing bowl380. In other words, the size of the aperture415that traverses the base410of the casing running rotary insert400is larger than the size of the aperture385that traverses the body384of the casing bowl380when the casing bowl380is engaged with the casing bowl engagement feature425of the casing running rotary insert400.

The lifting mechanism receiving features386(e.g., lifting mechanism receiving feature386-2) of the casing bowl380in this case are located high enough on the body384of the casing bowl380that the lifting mechanism receiving features386are accessible (e.g., a cable from a crane or other lifting mechanism can be connected to and/or disconnected from the lifting mechanism receiving features386) when the casing bowl380is engaged with (disposed within the cavity416of) the casing bowl engagement feature425of the casing running rotary insert400.

FIGS.6A and6Bshow various views of assembly698that includes the rotary table240ofFIGS.2A and2Band the subassembly599ofFIGS.5A and5Baccording to certain example embodiments. Specifically,FIG.6Ashows an exploded side view of assembly698, andFIG.6Bshows a cross-sectional front view of assembly698. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through5B, the assembly698ofFIGS.6A and6Bshow that the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400of the subassembly599is engaged with the casing running rotary insert engagement features243within the recessed area245of the rotary table240ofFIGS.2A and2B.

Specifically, component430-1of the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400abuts against casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-1, component430-2of the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400abuts against casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-2, and component430-3of the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400abuts against casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-3.

In this case, the width432defined between the outer surfaces of the component430-1and component430-3of the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400is slightly less than the width251defined between the inner surface of the casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-1and the inner surface of the casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-3of the recessed area245of the rotary table240. Similarly, the length (i.e., length246fromFIG.2Aabove) of the recessed area245of the rotary table240, defined between the inner surface of the casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-2and the inner surface of the casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-4of the recessed area245of the rotary table240, is slightly larger than the length (i.e., length433ofFIG.4Cabove) of component430-1or component430-3of the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400.

The height431of the component430-1, the component430-2, and the component430-3of the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400in this case is less than the height241of the casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-1, the casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-2, the inner surface of the casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-3, and the casing running rotary insert engagement feature243-4of the recessed area245of the rotary table240.

When the rotary table engagement feature435of the casing running rotary insert400is engaged with the casing running rotary insert engagement features243within the recessed area245of the rotary table240, and when the casing bowl380is engaged with the casing bowl engagement feature425of the casing running rotary insert400, as shown in FIG.6B, there is a continuous aperture through the assembly698. Specifically, the aperture385that traverses the height of the body384of the casing bowl380mergers with the aperture415that traverses the base410of the casing running rotary insert400, which merges with the recessed area245and the aperture248that traverses the body255of the rotary table240.

In this case, the width371(e.g., diameter) of the aperture385of the casing bowl380may be substantially the same as, or different than, the width419of the aperture415in the base410, which may be substantially the same as, or different than, the width251of the recessed area245of the rotary table240, which may be substantially the same as, or different than, the width252of the aperture248that traverses the body255of the rotary table240. Similarly, the various fluid relief features of the assembly698are aligned with each other. Specifically, the relief feature424of the casing bowl engagement feature425coincides with the relief feature414of the base410, which spans from the aperture415that traverses the base410to the outer perimeter of the base410, and which coincides with the relief feature434of the rotary table engagement feature435.

FIG.7shows a cross-sectional view of system797that includes the assembly698ofFIGS.6A and6Baccording to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through6B, the system797ofFIG.7includes a tubing string790, one or more slips702, and a tong assembly705in addition to the assembly698ofFIGS.6A and6B. The tubing string790includes multiple tubing pipes792(tubing pipe792-1, tubing pipe792-2) that are directly or indirectly (e.g., using subs) threaded and coupled to each other.

In order for the tubing string790to be assembled (also called makeup) or disassembled (also called breakout), a lower end (in this case, the portion that includes tubing pipe792-2with multiple (e.g., hundreds, thousands) of other tubing pipes792coupled below the pipe792-2) of the tubing string790is held stationary while the upper end (in this case, the portion that includes tubing pipe792-1and may be part of a pipe stand (e.g., a smaller assembly of 3 pipes792)) of the tubing string790is rotated in the appropriate direction using the tong assembly705. The tong assembly705includes a tong706and a support arm707that allows a user (e.g., a roughneck) to move the tong706into the proper position relative to a tubing pipe792at the upper end of the tubing string790.

The pipes792of the tubing string790have a width791(in this case, an outer diameter) that is less than the width371of the aperture385that traverses the height383of the body384of the casing bowl380, less than the width462of the rotary table engagement feature435, less than the width251of the recessed area245of the rotary table240, and less than the width252of the aperture248in a rotary table240.

To prevent the tubing pipe792-2and the rest of the tubing string790that is coupled to the bottom end of the tubing pipe792-2from falling into the wellbore (below the aperture248in the rotary table240), the one or more slips702(slip702-1, slip702-2) are inserted into the gap between the outer perimeter of the tubing pipe792-2and the inner perimeter of the aperture385of the casing bowl380as the tubing pipe792-2(and the rest of the tubing string790) is lowered (e.g., using a pipe crane, using a Kelly).

When the tong706has finished its work (e.g., coupling the tubing pipe792-1to the tubing pipe792-2to elongate the tubing string790, decoupling the tubing pipe792-1from the tubing pipe792-2to shorten the tubing string790) with respect to the tubing pipe792-1, the resulting tubing string790is lifted upward slightly (e.g., using the same equipment as discussed above to lower the tubing string790) so that the slips702can be removed, allowing the tubing string790to be lowered (in the case of adding another tubing pipe792or stand of tubing pipes792to the tubing string790) or raised further (in the case of removing the tubing pipe792-2or stand that includes the tubing pipe792-2from the tubing string790).

FIGS.8A and8Bshow an alternative rotary table840with which example embodiments may be used. Specifically,FIG.8Ashows a top view of the rotary table840, andFIG.8Bshows a cross-sectional side view of the rotary table840. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through7, the rotary table840ofFIGS.8A and8Bmay be substantially the same as the rotary table240discussed above with respect toFIGS.2A and2B, except as described below. For example, the rotary table840ofFIGS.8A and8Bis configured to rotate and/or be held still (no rotation) using a mechanical drive (e.g., a motor and gear assembly), which is not shown here. The rotary table840has a body855defined by a top surface842and having a length853, a width857, and a height849. The body855is cylindrical (circular in shape when viewed from above) in this case.

The rotary table840has an aperture848that traverses its height849. The lengthwise axis of the aperture848may be substantially coincident with the substantial center of the body855. The aperture848is circular in shape when viewed from above in this case. The aperture848has a width852, which may also be the same as or different than a length856of the aperture848. The aperture848is defined by one or more walls859.

Also disposed within the body855of the rotary table840is a recessed area845that is positioned vertically aligned with and atop the aperture848. The recessed area845in this case is larger (when viewed from above) than the aperture848. Because the aperture848and the recessed area845are concentric with respect to each other along the vertical axis, all of the aperture848is contained within the footprint of the recessed area845when viewed from above, as shown inFIG.8A. The one or more parts of the recessed area845that are visible (that extend beyond the outer perimeter of the aperture848) when viewed from above are defined by a bottom wall844. The recessed area845has a height841, and the aperture848(outside of the recessed area) has a height847, where the height841and the height847are equal to the overall height849of the body855of the rotary table840. In this case, the recessed area845is a three-dimensional rectangle having a length846(at least as great as the length856of the aperture848), a width851(at least as great as the width852of the aperture848), and the height841.

The rotary table840in this case has two types of casing running rotary insert engagement features. The first set of casing running rotary insert engagement features of the rotary table840is integrated with the recessed area845, as with the rotary table240ofFIGS.2A and2B. In this case, the first set has four casing running rotary insert engagement features843(casing running rotary insert engagement feature843-1, casing running rotary insert engagement feature843-2, casing running rotary insert engagement feature843-3, and casing running rotary insert engagement feature843-4) in the form of vertical walls that define the length846and the width851of the recessed area845.

The second set of casing running rotary insert engagement features of the rotary table840are integrated with the body855of the rotary table840at the top surface842. In this case, the second set has four casing running rotary insert engagement features943(casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-1, casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-2, casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-3, and casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-4) in the form of holes that traverse into some, but not all, of the body855of the rotary table840from the top surface842between the recessed area845and the outer perimeter of the body855. Casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-4in this case may be optional.

In alternative embodiments, there may be any other number (e.g., one, two, six, nine) of casing running rotary insert engagement features943. In this case, the configuration (e.g., length, width, cross-sectional shape) of the four casing running rotary insert engagement features943is the same. In alternative embodiments, the configuration of one casing running rotary insert engagement feature943may be different than the configuration of one or more of the other casing running rotary insert engagement features943. Each casing running rotary insert engagement feature943in this case is cylindrical bore having a width862and a depth861. In alternative embodiments, any of the various characteristics (e.g., cross-sectional shape, depth, width) of one or more of the casing running rotary insert engagement features943may vary. For example, one or more of the casing running rotary insert engagement features943may have a cross-sectional shape of an oval, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, and an octagon.

FIGS.9A and9Bshow an alternative example casing running rotary insert900according to certain example embodiments. Specifically,FIG.9Ashows a front view of the casing running rotary insert900.FIG.9Bshows a bottom view of the casing running rotary insert900. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through8B, the casing running rotary insert900ofFIGS.9A and9Bis another example of the casing running rotary insert100discussed above with respect toFIG.1and is designed to complement the rotary table840ofFIGS.8A and8Babove. In this case, the casing running rotary insert900ofFIGS.9A and9Bmay be substantially the same as the casing running rotary insert400discussed above with respect toFIGS.4A through4C, except as described below.

For example, the casing running rotary insert900ofFIGS.8A and8Bincludes a base910, a rotary table engagement feature935that extends from the bottom of the base910, and a casing bowl engagement feature925that extends from the top of the base910. The casing running rotary insert900in this case also includes two lifting mechanism receiving features901(lifting mechanism receiving feature901-1and lifting mechanism receiving feature901-2) that are configured to receive part (e.g., a cable) of a lifting mechanism (e.g., a crane) for moving the casing running rotary insert900.

The base910of the casing running rotary insert900includes an aperture915that traverses the thickness911of the base910. The lengthwise axis of the aperture915in this case is substantially coincident with the substantial center of the base910. The aperture915in this case is clover-shaped when viewed from above. The aperture915has a width919that is substantially the same as the length933of the aperture915. As shown inFIGS.10A and10Bbelow, the aperture915is designed to coincide with the aperture848in a rotary table840(and also the aperture (e.g., aperture385) in the casing bowl (e.g., casing bowl380). The thickness911of the base910in this case is substantially uniform throughout, making the base910planar. When viewed from above, the base910in this case is substantially square such that the width912of the base is substantially the same as the length929of the base910.

In this example, the base910includes one relief feature914(also sometimes called an aperture relief feature914), which is configured to allow fluids (e.g., oil, working fluid, water) that flow up from the rotary table840, out of a casing string (e.g., casing string790), and/or out of some other component of a system used to assemble or disassemble a casing string away from the casing running rotary insert900. A relief feature914may additionally or alternatively provide mechanical stress relief as various forces are applied to the base910of the casing running rotary insert900during field operations (e.g., making up a tubing string, breaking out a tubing string). In this case, the relief feature914is in the form of an opening that spans from the aperture915that traverses the thickness911of the base910to an outer perimeter of the base910at the front.

The rotary table engagement features935of the casing running rotary insert900ofFIGS.9A and9Bextends from the bottom surface of the base910. The rotary table engagement feature935is configured to engage (in this case, fit within) the casing running rotary insert engagement features943of the rotary table840. When this occurs, the rotary table engagement feature935fixes the position of the base910(and the rest of the casing running rotary insert900) relative to the rotary table840. As shown below with respect toFIGS.10A and10B, the aperture915in the base910aligns with the aperture848in the rotary table840when the rotary table engagement feature935is engaged with the casing running rotary insert engagement features943of the rotary table840. In this example, the rotary table engagement feature935has no overlap with the aperture915that traverses the thickness911of the base910.

In this case, the rotary table engagement feature935of the casing running rotary insert900has three components930(component930-1, component930-2, and component930-3) that are in the form of cylindrical protrusions that are positioned around three sides of the perimeter of the aperture915that traverses the thickness911of the base910along the bottom surface of the base910. In this case, each of the three rotary table engagement feature components930has a height931and width939that are configured to be no greater than the depth861and width862, respectively, of the corresponding casing running rotary insert engagement features943of the rotary table840. The configuration (e.g., length, width, depth) of each component930of the rotary table engagement feature935is substantially the same as each other. In this example, because the components930are discrete and independent of each other, the rotary table engagement feature935does not have an express relief feature (e.g., relief feature434).

In this configuration of the rotary table engagement feature935, the components930of the rotary table engagement feature935has a width962(defined between the inner surfaces of component930-1and component930-3) and a height931(defined between the height931of each of the components930of the rotary table engagement feature935). The width962is at least as great as the width919of the aperture915that traverses the base910. The overall width932(defined between the outer surfaces of component930-1and component930-3) of the rotary table engagement feature935in this case is less than the overall width912of the base910.

The casing bowl engagement feature925of the casing running rotary insert900in this case is substantially the same as the casing bowl engagement feature425of the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4C. For example, the casing bowl engagement feature925of the casing running rotary insert900extends from the top surface of the base910. The casing bowl engagement feature925is configured to engage a casing bowl (e.g., casing bowl380) in order to fix the position of the casing bowl relative to the base910of the casing running rotary insert900. The casing bowl engagement feature925is configured in such a way that the aperture915in the base910aligns with the aperture (e.g., aperture385) in the casing bowl when the casing bowl engagement feature925is engaged with the casing bowl. In this case, the casing bowl engagement feature925is also configured to have no overlap with the aperture915that traverses the thickness911of the base910.

In this example, the casing bowl engagement feature925of the casing running rotary insert900has five components920(component920-1, component920-2, component920-3, component920-4, and component920-5) that are in the form of walls positioned around most of the outer perimeter of the base910along the top surface of the base910. The configuration (e.g., shape, size) of component920-2, component920-3, and component920-4are substantially the same as each other. Similarly, the configuration of component920-1and component920-5are substantially the same as each other and have a shorter length than the width912of component920-2, component920-3, and component920-4. Each component920of the casing bowl engagement feature925has a height921.

In this configuration of the casing bowl engagement feature925, component920-1and component920-2are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, component920-2and component920-3are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, component920-3and component920-4are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle, and component920-4and component920-5are coupled to each other to form substantially a right angle. In this configuration, the components920of the casing bowl engagement feature925form a cavity916having an open top end, a mostly open front side (in the form of a relief feature924), a mostly open bottom (in the form of the aperture915in the base910), a width (defined between the inner surfaces of component920-2and component920-4), a length (defined between the inner surfaces of component920-3and either component920-1or component920-5), and a height (defined between the height of each of the components920of the casing bowl engagement feature925).

The overall width912(defined between the outer surfaces of component920-2and component920-4) of the casing bowl engagement feature925in this case is the same as the overall width912of the base910, and the overall length929(defined between the outer surfaces of component920-3and either component920-1or component920-5) of the casing bowl engagement feature925in this case is the same as the overall length929of the base910.

The casing bowl engagement feature925in this case includes a relief feature924(also sometimes called a casing bowl engagement relief feature924) by virtue of the opening between component920-1and component920-5that traverses their height. The relief feature924of the casing bowl engagement feature925in this case is in the form of an opening that is coincident with the relief feature914of the base910. Specifically, the relief feature924of the casing bowl engagement feature925coincides with the relief feature914of the base910, which spans from the aperture915that traverses the base910to the outer perimeter of the base910.

FIGS.10A and10Bshow various views of a subassembly1098that includes the rotary table840ofFIGS.8A and8Band the example casing running rotary insert900ofFIGS.9A and9Baccording to certain example embodiments. Specifically,FIG.10Ashows a top view of the subassembly1098, andFIG.10Bshows a cross-sectional front view of the subassembly1098. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through9B, the subassembly1098ofFIGS.10A and10Bshow that the rotary table engagement feature935of the casing running rotary insert900is engaged with the casing running rotary insert engagement features943of the rotary table840.

Specifically, component930-1of the rotary table engagement feature935of the casing running rotary insert900is inserted into the casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-1of the rotary table840, component930-2of the rotary table engagement feature935of the casing running rotary insert900is inserted into the casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-2of the rotary table840, and component930-3of the rotary table engagement feature935of the casing running rotary insert900is inserted into the casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-3of the rotary table840.

In this case, the width939(in this case, circumference) of each component930of the rotary table engagement feature935of the casing running rotary insert900is no greater (e.g., slightly less) than the width862(in this case, circumference) of the corresponding casing running rotary insert engagement feature943-3of the rotary table840. Similarly, the depth861of each casing running rotary insert engagement feature943of the rotary table840is slightly larger than the height931of the corresponding components930of the rotary table engagement feature935of the casing running rotary insert900.

When the rotary table engagement feature935of the casing running rotary insert900is engaged with the casing running rotary insert engagement features943of the rotary table840, there is a substantially continuous aperture through the subassembly1098. Specifically, the aperture915that traverses the base910of the casing running rotary insert900merges with the recessed area845and the aperture848that traverses the body855of the rotary table840.

In this case, the width919of the aperture915in the base910may be substantially the same as, or different than, the width851of the recessed area845of the rotary table840, which may be substantially the same as, or different than, the width852of the aperture848that traverses the body855of the rotary table840. Similarly, the various fluid relief features of the subassembly1098are aligned with each other. Specifically, the relief feature924of the casing bowl engagement feature925coincides with the relief feature914of the base910, which spans from the aperture915that traverses the base910to the outer perimeter of the base910at the front.

FIGS.11and12show various subassemblies that include example casing running rotary inserts with compensation devices according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through10B,FIG.11shows a top view of a subassembly1198that includes the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4C, a casing bowl1180, and a compensation device1105. The casing bowl1180ofFIG.11is substantially the same as the casing bowl380discussed above, except that in this case the casing bowl1180ofFIG.11has a length1182that is less than the length382of the casing bowl380ofFIGS.3A and3B, and the casing bowl1180ofFIG.11has a width1181that is less than the width381of the casing bowl380ofFIGS.3A and3B.

As a result, when the casing bowl1180is positioned inside the cavity416formed by the casing bowl engagement feature425, the casing bowl1180may not be completely secure. For example, the casing bowl1180may slide around within the cavity416, which may cause a misalignment between the aperture1185that traverses the body1184of the casing bowl1180and the aperture415that traverses the base of the casing running rotary insert400, the recessed area (e.g., recessed area845) that traverses the top portion of the rotary table (e.g., rotary table840), and/or the aperture (e.g., aperture848) that traverses the bottom portion of the rotary table. When this occurs, the tubing string (e.g., tubing string790) may become bent and/or otherwise damaged.

This problem may easily arise when the size of the casing bowl1180may vary, for example, based on the manufacturer of the casing bowl1180and/or the outer diameter of the tubing pipes (e.g., tubing pipes792). In addition, or in the alternative, the size (e.g., the length423, the width422) of the casing bowl engagement feature425may be fixed and set for a large size so that a situation does not arise where the casing bowl1180cannot fit within the cavity416formed by the casing bowl engagement feature425.

To solve this problem, one or more compensation devices1105may be added. A compensation device1105is a component that may be inserted between the casing bowl1180and the casing bowl engagement feature425within the cavity416. A compensation device1105may have any characteristics (e.g., shape, size, material) needed to fill some or all of the gap within the cavity416between the casing bowl1180and the casing bowl engagement feature425. For example, in the subassembly1198ofFIG.11, the compensation device1105is in a five-walled configuration that is similar to the configuration of the five components (e.g., components420) of the casing bowl engagement feature425.

In some cases, a compensation device may have one or more relief features that are similar to the relief features (e.g., relief feature424) discussed above with respect to the casing bowl engagement feature425. For example, as in the subassembly1198ofFIG.11where there is a single compensation device1105that is a single piece, the compensation device1105has a relief feature1104in the form of a gap between the two planar walls of short length at the front. In this way, the relief feature1104of the compensation device1105is substantially similar to the relief feature424of the casing bowl engagement feature425. Also, the relief feature1104of the compensation device1105is aligned with the relief feature424of the casing bowl engagement feature425.

While not shown inFIG.11, the compensation device1105may include one or more lifting mechanism receiving features (e.g., lifting mechanism receiving features401) to help move the compensation device1105. The compensation device1105may be positioned within the cavity416formed by the casing bowl engagement feature425either before or after the casing bowl1180is positioned within the cavity416formed by the casing bowl engagement feature425.

FIG.12shows a top view of a subassembly1298that includes the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4C, the casing bowl1180ofFIG.11, and four compensation devices1205(compensation device1205-1, compensation device1205-2, compensation device1205-3, and compensation device1205-4). As a result, the casing bowl1180ofFIG.12has a length1182that is less than the length382of the casing bowl380ofFIGS.3A and3B, and the casing bowl1180ofFIG.12has a width1181that is less than the width381of the casing bowl380ofFIGS.3A and3B.

As a result, when the casing bowl1180is positioned inside the cavity416formed by the casing bowl engagement feature425, the casing bowl1180may not be completely secure. For example, the casing bowl1180may slide around within the cavity416. To solve this problem in this case, the four compensation devices1205may be added. The compensation devices1205ofFIG.12are configured (e.g., shape, size, material) substantially the same as each other as an elongated corner bracket. There is one compensation device1205that is positioned between each corner of the casing bowl1180and each corner of the casing bowl engagement feature425.

Since the length and width of each compensation device1205is relatively small, the large gap between adjacent compensation devices1205may be considered types of relief features1204. In this case, relief feature1204-1is in the gap between compensation device1205-1and compensation device1205-2. Relief feature1204-2is at the front of the casing running rotary insert400in the gap between compensation device1205-2and compensation device1205-3. Relief feature1204-3is in the gap between compensation device1205-3and compensation device1205-4. Relief feature1204-4is in the gap between compensation device1205-4and compensation device1205-1.

While not shown inFIG.12, each compensation device1205may include one or more lifting mechanism receiving features (e.g., lifting mechanism receiving features401) to help move the compensation device1205. Each compensation device1205may be positioned within the cavity416formed by the casing bowl engagement feature425either before or after the casing bowl1180is positioned within the cavity416formed by the casing bowl engagement feature425.

FIGS.13A through13Cshow an example casing running rotary insert1300with various casing bowl engagement relief features according to certain example embodiments. Specifically,FIG.13Ashows a top view of the casing running rotary insert1300.FIG.13Bshows a front view of one embodiment of the casing running rotary insert1300.FIG.13Cshows another embodiment of the casing running rotary insert1300. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through12, the casing running rotary insert1300shown inFIG.13Ais substantially similar to the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4C.

For example, the casing running rotary insert1300in this case includes a base1310with an aperture1315that traverses therethrough. The base1310has no relief feature (e.g., relief feature414) in this case. The casing running rotary insert1300in this case also includes a casing bowl engagement feature1325that has four components1320(component1320-1, component1320-2, component1320-3, and component1320-4) in the form of adjacent walls having substantially similar lengths, widths, and heights as each other. The four components1320form a cavity1316into which a casing bowl (e.g., casing bowl380) may be positioned.

In this example, rather than one or more relief features (e.g., relief feature424) being an opening in the front component where the opening traverses the entire height of the wall, the relief feature has different configurations. InFIG.13B, the relief feature1224in the component1320-1is in the form of a semi-circle with the base at the bottom of the component1320-1and the top of the relief feature1224reaching about halfway along the height of the component1320-1. InFIG.13C, the relief feature1324in the component1320-1is in the form of a rectangle that has a width that is about ⅔ the width of the component1320-1and a height that is about ⅔ the height of the component1320-1. In both cases, the other components1320(e.g.,1320-3) of the casing bowl engagement feature1325have no relief features.

FIGS.14A and14Bshow various views of another example casing running rotary insert1400according to certain example embodiments. Specifically,FIG.14Ashows a top view of the casing running rotary insert1400, andFIG.14Bshows a front view of the casing running rotary insert1400. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through13C, the casing running rotary insert1400shown inFIGS.14A and14Bis substantially similar to the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4C, except as discussed below.

For example, the casing running rotary insert1400in this case includes a base1410with an aperture1415that traverses therethrough. The base1410has no relief feature (e.g., relief feature414) in this case. The casing running rotary insert1400in this case also includes a casing bowl engagement feature1425that has eight components1420(component1420-1, component1420-2, component1420-3, component1420-4, component1420-5, component1420-6, component1420-7, and component1420-8) in the form of adjacent walls having substantially similar lengths, widths, and heights as each other. There are two components1420on each of the four sides (e.g., component1420-7and component1420-8form the front of the casing running rotary insert1400). The eight components1420form a cavity1416into which a casing bowl (e.g., casing bowl380) may be positioned.

Each gap between adjacent components1420forms a relief feature1424. Specifically, the gap between component1420-1and component1420-2forms relief feature1424-1. The gap between component1420-2and component1420-3forms relief feature1424-2. The gap between component1420-3and component1420-4forms relief feature1424-3. The gap between component1420-4and component1420-5forms relief feature1424-4. The gap between component1420-5and component1420-6forms relief feature1424-5. The gap between component1420-6and component1420-7forms relief feature1424-6. The gap between component1420-7and component1420-8forms relief feature1424-7. The gap between component1420-8and component1420-1forms relief feature1424-8.

FIGS.15A and15Bshow various views of yet another example casing running rotary insert1500according to certain example embodiments. Specifically,FIG.15Ashows a top view of the casing running rotary insert1500, andFIG.15Bshows a front view of the casing running rotary insert1500. Referring to the description above with respect toFIGS.1through14B, the casing running rotary insert1500shown inFIGS.15A and15Bis substantially similar to the casing running rotary insert400ofFIGS.4A through4C, except as discussed below.

For example, the casing running rotary insert1500in this case includes a base1510with an aperture1515that traverses therethrough. The base1510has no relief feature (e.g., relief feature414) in this case. The casing running rotary insert1500in this case also includes a casing bowl engagement feature1525that has four components1520(component1520-1, component1520-2, component1520-3, and component1520-4in the form of adjacent walls having substantially similar lengths, widths, planar angled side surfaces, and heights as each other. The middle of each components1520coincides with a corner of the casing bowl engagement feature1525and a corner of the base1510of the casing running rotary insert1500. The four components1520form a cavity1516into which a casing bowl (e.g., casing bowl380) may be positioned.

Each gap between adjacent components1520forms a relief feature1524. Specifically, the gap between component1520-1and component1520-2forms relief feature1524-1. The gap between component1520-2and component1520-3forms relief feature1524-2. The gap between component1520-3and component1520-4forms relief feature1524-3. Each relief feature1524in this case forms a general V shape with an elongated base that is roughly ⅓ the width of the base1510.

Example embodiments can be used to provide a more efficient and safer environment when making up and breaking out a tubing string relative to a wellbore. Example embodiments can be installed and securely placed in a relatively negligible amount of time, imposing only minimal delays toward the start of a field operation. Example embodiments may be configured for a single use or multiple uses. Example embodiments may comply with applicable industry standards when used during field operations.