Service line transport and deployment system

An extendable, service line positioning system is provided for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of service lines that provide necessary resources (e.g., electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources) to a drilling rig. The positioning system comprises a plurality of connected panels supportable of a service line coupled to a vertical post on a skid. The panels are movable between a retracted position above the skid or a deployed position beyond the skid. The positioning system thus advantageously enables a drilling rig to move short distances for pad drilling operations without having the need to move resource-providing equipment coupled to supply lines.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is an increasingly common practice in the drilling industry to engage in pad site drilling, where the drilling rig is moved a short distance to drill a subsequent hole only a few feet away from the previous well. This practice maximizes revenues from individual leases and significantly reduces the cost associated with the downtime, disassembly, transport, and re-assembly of the drilling rig.

Drilling rigs require energy of various types to be delivered to the drill floor, including electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic energy. These energy sources are provided by generators and pumps located in housings located on skids or trailers adjacent to the drilling rig, but remote to the drilling floor. Other resources necessary to the drilling operation include communication paths. The energy and communication sources are transmitted between the generating houses to the drill floor by means of service lines, including tubes, pipes, conduits, cables, and the like. The service lines are normally a fixed length. Therefore, when a drilling rig is relocated between pads sites, it is necessary to relocate the energy source as well.

The distance between the generating source and the drilling rig spanned by the service lines is an obstacle to drilling operations. In particular, it is preferred to have vehicular access across the path of the service lines, without driving over and potentially damaging or destroying the service lines.

Another obstacle is the great weight of the collective service lines when run the distance between the connection source and the drilling rig. The distance may be as long as 150 feet, and the several service cables that run that distance will weigh tens of thousands of pounds.

Thus, there remains a need for improvements for the creation of a safe and reliable system for protecting service lines during drilling rig relocations on pad sites that permits the resource generating systems to remain stationary as the drilling rig is relocated to individual well locations.

In summary, the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a unique solution to the engineering constraints and environmental challenges of providing a durable mechanically actuated steering system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel system and method for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.

In one embodiment of the service line positioning system, a transportable skid is provided and has a substantially vertical skid post. Panels are provided with at least one panel having at least one end pivotally connected to another panel. At least one panel is pivotally connected to the skid post. Each panel is supportable of service lines extending between the panels. The connected panels are movable between a retracted position above the skid and a deployed position that extends at least one panel beyond the skid.

In another embodiment, extension of the panels between the retracted position and extended position occurs in a substantially horizontal plane. In another embodiment, a first panel extends in a first direction from the skid, and a second panel extends in a second direction from the skid that is different from the first direction.

In another embodiment, the skid is mountable above ground level, such as on top of a structure, so as to provide clearance beneath at least one deployed panel sufficient to provide vehicular passage beneath the deployed panel.

In another embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided to secure a panel in the retracted position above the skid for transportation.

In another embodiment, the skid post is located proximate to a first end of the skid. A latch post is located proximate to an opposite second end of the skid. A panel is pivotally connected to the skid post on one end and releasably connected to the latch post on its opposite end. In another embodiment, the latch post supports a portion of the weight of the releasably connected panel when it is connected.

In another embodiment, a rig post is located between the base box and side box of a drilling rig. One of the panels has one end pivotally connected to the rig post. In another embodiment, a rig post is located between the base box and side box of a drilling rig. A panel is pivotally connectable to the rig post when the panel is in a deployed position. In another embodiment, the rig post is removably connectable to the drilling rig.

In another embodiment, a source post is located proximate to a source connection of the service lines. A panel has one end connected to the source post.

In another embodiment, a source post is located proximate to a source connection of the service lines. A panel is connectable to the source post when the panel is in a deployed position.

In another embodiment, the source post is connected to a structure, such that the weight of the structure counterbalances a portion of the weight of the panels deployed between the skid and the drilling rig.

In another embodiment, the source post is connected proximate to the center of gravity to a structure, such that the weight of the structure counterbalances the weight of the panels deployed between the skid and the drilling rig.

In another embodiment, a source post, skid post, and rig post are positioned in substantially vertical and substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other. The skid post is connected to a panel. The source post and rig post are each connectable to a panel.

In another embodiment, a source post, skid post, and rig post are positioned in substantially vertical and substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other. A panel is connectable between the source post and the skid post. At least two panels are connectable between the skid post and rig post.

In another embodiment, three panels are extendable into a deployed end-to-end configuration that extends at a length of at least 100 feet.

In another embodiment, four panels are extendable into a deployed end-to-end configuration that extends at a length of at least 150 feet.

In another embodiment, a transportable skid is provided, having a plurality of panels pivotally interconnected and attached thereto. The panels are retractable to a transportable position above the skid and extendable into a deployed end-to-end configuration that extends at a length of at least 100 feet. The panels are configured to support a plurality of continuous service lines.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the system disclosed may be modified somewhat and the same advantageous result obtained.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is an isometric view of a service line positioning system (SLPS)100having features of the present invention. System100comprises a skid102that is mountable on a trailer for transportation between locations for drilling. A skid post104extends generally vertically upwards from skid102. A plurality of panels150is located on skid102. At least one of panels150is pivotally connected to skid post104. Service lines200are attached to panels150.

InFIG. 1, panels150are illustrated in the retracted position above a skid102for positioning on a trailer (not shown) for transportation. In the embodiment illustrated, panels150are retractable in a folding relationship such that service lines200are exterior to the folded connections between panels.

Panels150are connected in end-to-end series arrangement. Skid post104may be located in between two panels150. Other posts or connecting devices may be located between other panels150. In the embodiment illustrated, panels150fold at connection points in a manner that locates service lines200exterior to the vertex of each folded connection between panels150.

A guide rail106may be provided around the perimeter of skid102. In a preferred embodiment, guide rail106provides a vertical support for panels150. Rails106may provide support for panels150when panels150are in the retracted position. Also, rails106may provide support for panels150when panels150are extended beyond the perimeter of skid102.

FIG. 2is an exploded isometric view of service line positioning system100having features of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated, system100has four panels150. Panels150are comprised of a first panel110, having a first end112and an opposite second end114; a second panel120, having a first end122and an opposite second end124; a third panel130, having a first end132and an opposite second end134; and a fourth panel140, having a first end142and an opposite second end144.

Service lines200extend in a continuous length between first panel110, second panel120, third panel130, and fourth panel140. In this embodiment, the source of the service in service lines200is connected to service lines200at the first end112of first panel110. The far opposite end of service lines200is connected to a junction box at a drilling rig40(seeFIG. 3).

As stated, panels150are connected in end-to-end series arrangement, although posts such as skid post104or other connective hardware may be located between the panel150connections. In this embodiment, second end114of first panel110is pivotally connected to skid post104. First end122of second post120is also pivotally connected to skid post104. First end132of third panel130is pivotally connected to second end124of second panel120. First end142of fourth panel140is pivotally connected to second end134of third panel130.

In another embodiment not illustrated, system100has three panels, being first panel110, second panel120, and third panel130. In another embodiment not illustrated, system100has only two panels, being second panel120, and third panel130.

A latch post108may be attached to skid102. Latch post108may provide vertical load support to one or more of panels150when panels150are in the retracted position for transportation. Latch post108provides a mechanism for ensuring one or more panels150are locked in place relative to skid102for transportation. A connecting strike109may be provided at the bottom of one or more panels150for engagement with latch post108. There may alternatively be more than one latch post108. It will be understood that strikes109and latch posts108are reversible in regards to their location.

FIG. 3is an isometric view of service line positioning system100, illustrated as connected to drilling rig40. A rig post190is supported between a base box44and a side box46of drilling rig40. Rig post190must be sufficiently sturdy to support a portion of the weight of system100. Second end144of fourth panel140is pivotally connected to rig post190. Rig post190may be advantageously irremovably attached to rig40to facilitate transportation of drilling rig40.

Service lines200extend beyond second end144of fourth panel140for connection to a junction box, or for direct connection to the appropriate equipment receiving service line200, such as a top drive, drawworks, control panel, or other device (service line200extension and connections not illustrated).

FIG. 4is an isometric view of service line positioning system100, illustrated as connected between drilling rig40and a supply source210(not shown), and deployed over a nearby well bore12of a lease10. For clarity, rig40is shown without a mast. As illustrated, lease10may have a plurality of well bores. In the embodiment illustrated, well bores12,14,16,18,20,22,24,26,28,30,32, and34are all present on lease10. The numbering of the well bores is not intended to reflect an order by which they must be drilled. This is common in conventional drilling, where it has proven more economical to drill multiple wells directionally from a single lease10.

In this practice, drilling rig40may be equipped with translation pods42for moving rig40without the need to disassemble rig40. The problem solved by the several embodiments of the present invention is the need to extend service lines200with the movement of drilling rig40, and to do so in an economic manner and, most preferably, without interfering with ground traffic.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, skid102is elevated and mounted on a structure60. Structure60can be any structure capable of supporting the weight of system100. First panel110is deployed and extended outward from skid102. A source post170is located on a second structure70. Structure70can be any structure capable of supporting the weight of system100. As an example, and not by way of limitation, structure70can be a variable frequency drive house or “VFD.”

First end112of first panel110is connected to source post170. Service lines200extend beyond first end112of first panel110for connection to a junction box, or for direct connection to the supply system for the service line200, such as a generator, pump, compressor, or other source (service line200extension and connections not illustrated). As illustrated, elevation of skid102and supply post170permits a vehicle300to maneuver between structures60and70without interfering with service lines200.

Second panel120remains in the retracted position. First end122of second panel120is pivotally connected to skid post104. Second end124of second panel120is illustrated in latched position to prevent movement of second panel120when drilling rig40is positioned over nearby well bore12for drilling. In this position, second end124of second panel120may be supported by latch post108, or by guide rail106.

Third panel130is shown in the deployed position. Optionally, a pedestal180(not shown) may be used to help support the weight of third panel130and fourth panel140during initial connection of fourth panel140to drilling rig40. Alternatively, commonly present drilling rig equipment, such as a mast headache rack, may serve as pedestal180. Optionally, pedestal180may remain in place during drilling operations to add stability to system100.

FIG. 5is an isometric view of service line positioning system100deployed over well bore34, which is located at a distance further away from skid102. InFIG. 5, drilling rig40has been relocated over well bore34, such as by use of translation pods42. System100has permitted service lines200to remain connected, and thus provide continuous power for the relocation of drilling rig40, and to be ready for all drilling operations at well bore34.

During relocation of drilling rig40between well bore12and well bore34, it remains unnecessary to deploy second panel120. However, deployment is optional.

FIG. 6is an isometric view of service line positioning system100deployed over well bore22, which is located at a distance far away from skid102. InFIG. 6, drilling rig40has been relocated over well bore22, such as by use of translation pods42. System100has permitted service lines200to remain connected, and thus provide continuous power for the relocation of drilling rig40, and to be ready for all drilling operations at well bore22.

During relocation of drilling rig40between well bore34and well bore22, it is necessary to deploy second panel120. If used, latch post108is disengaged from strike109to allow second panel120to pivot freely about skid post104. As illustrated, system100is in near to full extension. During such lengthy extension, pedestal180may be located beneath third panel130for additional support. In another embodiment, pedestal180may be a wheeled device, such that it relocates independently when rig40is relocated.

In this embodiment, first panel110and second structure70act as a counterbalance to the weight of fully extended second panel120, third panel130, and fourth panel140. As such, it is preferable to locate source post170near to the center of gravity of second structure70. It is also preferable that second structure70weigh about 10,000 pounds or greater. It is also preferable to locate first panel110generally perpendicular to skid102.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3, 5, and 6, panels150are deployed in a horizontal plane. As best seen inFIG. 6, first panel110is deployed in a first direction from skid102, and second panel120is deployed in a second direction from skid102that is different from the first direction of first panel110.

In the embodiment illustrated in which four panels150are utilized, an extension of 150 feet or greater may be achieved. In an alternative embodiment in which three panels are utilized, an extension of 100 feet or greater may be achieved.