METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING A FIRST TUBULAR TO A SECOND TUBULAR

Abstract: A method for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular comprises the steps of supporting said first tubular (101) above said second tubular (104) from a pneumatically operable device (111, 112); and displacing said first tubular (101) downwardly towards said second tubular (104) to facilitate the connection thereof, characterized in that said method further comprises the steps of allowing pneumatic fluid to vent from said pneumatically operable device as said first tubular (101) is lowered towards said second tubular (104) and automatically replenishing said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) after release of said first tubular (101). The present invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out a method in accordance with the invention, which apparatus comprises a pneumatically operable device (111, 112; 211, 212) movable between an upper position (127) and a lower position (128), characterized in that said apparatus further comprises means to vent pneumatic fluid from said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) when, in use, a first tubular (101) is urged towards a second tubular (104), and means (108) to automatically replenish said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) after release of said first tubular (101).

Description: Method and Apparatus for Connecting a First Tubular to a Second Tubular This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In many drilling applications, and especially in deep high pressure wells, one or more casing strings are set to protect the well bore and/or the formation. Whether the crew members are running surface, intermediate, or production casing, the handling of these heavy individual tubulars presents special problems. In particular, considerable skill is needed to lower the new casing into position on the assembled casing string and to make the necessary threaded connection between the pin on the new casing and the socket on the top of the assembled casing string. Thus, if the new casing is positioned too high above the socket on the assembled string, the threads of the pins and/or box do not engage. On the other hand, if the pin is lowered too far, the full weight of the new casing may rest on the first thread of the assembled string and damage may occur. This may require removal of the damaged casing(s). Even if no thread damage initially occurs as a result of lowering the casing pin too far, if it rests on the assembled string, the worker (the "stabber") may have difficulty in manoeuvring the casing to align it so as to make a proper threaded connection. In the event of such a misalignment, cross threading or other thread damage is likely to occur. EP-A-0 171 144 discloses an apparatus for facilita- ting the connection of a first tubular to a second tubular. Essentially the apparatus comprises a pneumatic piston and cylinder which supports the first tubular over the second tubular. The pneumatic pressure is such that the first tubular, which might be quite heavy is supported on a cushion of air. A small amount of downward force applied manually to the first tubular allows it to be moved downwardly into engagement with the second tubular below. Although this arrangement is very effective it has the disadvantage that the further the first tubular has to be displaced the greater the pressure in the pneumatic piston and cylinder. Some operators have tried to compensate for large movement by venting part of the air in the pneumatic piston and cylinder. However, whilst this works for the tubular in use the pneumatic piston and cylinder has to be recharged for the next tubular. The present invention aims to help reduce this problem. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular, which method comprises the steps of supporting said first tubular above said second tubular from a pneumatically operable device; and displacing said first tubular downwardly towards said second tubular to facilitate the connection thereof, characterised in that said method further comprises the steps of allowing pneumatic fluid to vent from said pneumatically operable device as said first tubular is lowered towards said second tubular and automatically replenishing said pneumatically operable device after release of said first tubular. Further features of the invention are set out in Claims 2 et seq. For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: - Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention arranged for a first stage of operation; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1 arranged for a second stage of operation; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a control panel for the apparatus of Fig. 1; Figs. 4 and 5 are tables presenting data for methods according to the present invention; and Figs. 6 - 11 illustrate schematically six stages in the operation of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1 there is shown schematically an apparatus which is generally identified by reference numeral 100 for facilitating connecting (making-up) and disconnecting (breaking-out) two threaded tubulars. The two tubulars in this embodiment are a free casing 101 having a threaded socket 102 at its upper end and a threaded pin 103 at its lower end and a fixed casing 104 having a corresponding socket 105 at its upper end. The fixed casing 104 is held fixed in a spider (not shown). In a typical make-up operation, a selector valve 106 is in a position as shown, allowing air from an air source P to flow through an air flow line 107 to a makeup regulator valve 108, through an air flow line 109, through the selector valve 106, through an air flow line 110, into a cylinder 111 beneath a piston 112 which piston 112 is slidably arranged therein. The cylinder 111 depends from a travelling block 150 via a rig line 151. The piston 112 is connected to a piston rod 113 which is connected to a line 114 which depends therefrom below the cylinder 111. The line 114 has a clamp 115 at its lower end. A pressure relief valve 116 controls air flow through air flow line 117 and out through a vent 118. A gauge 119 indicates air pressure level in the air flow line 109. A non-return valve 152 is provided between the pressure relief valve 116 and the make-up regulator valve 108. A break out regulator valve 120 is closed so air does not flow through air flow line 121. Initially the make-up regulator valve 108 is also closed. The make-up regulator valve 108 is then set to a predetermined pressure at which the free casing 101 will be suspended on a cushion of air with the piston 112 between the middle and the top of the piston 111. This setting can be determined, for example by using a chart or a computerised look-up table. Alternatively, a satisfactory setting may be achieved as follows: air is permitted to flow into the cylinder 111 by opening the make-up regulator valve 108 until the piston 112 reaches the top of the cylinder 111. Using the pressure relief valve 116, air is then permitted to escape from the cylinder 111 until the piston 112 starts to move down. The pressure reading from the gauge 119 is noted which corresponds to the weight of the free casing 101. The make-up regulator valve 108 is then set at this pressure. After it has been picked up the free casing 101 is lowered by the travelling block 150 towards the fixed casing 104. When the free casing 101 approaches the fixed casing 104 the travelling block 150 is stopped and further adjustment achieved manually. The free casing 101 is now "stabbed" manually into the threaded box 105 of the fixed casing 104 by manually pulling down on the free casing 101. As the free casing 101 is pulled down, the piston 112 moves down in the cylinder 111 increasing the air pressure therein. The increased air pressure exceeds the pressure setting of the pressure relief valve 116 and the excess air is vented through the vent 118. In the event that the free casing 101 is not stabbed correctly into the threaded box 105, the air enclosed in the cylinder 111 by the piston 112 still supports the majority of the weight of the free casing 101 and, if the free casing 101 touches the threaded box 105, damage to the threaded pin 103 of the casing 101 or to the threaded box 105 of the fixed casing 104 is reduced or eliminated. If the downward limit of travel of piston 112 is reached this is indicated when the piston 112 contacts a movable pin 122 which opens a valve 123 which permits air to flow from the air flow line 110 through air flow line 124 into an air flow line 125 to a gauge 126 thus providing a visual indication and/or audible signal to indicate that the piston 112 has reached the downward limit of its travel. Once the threaded pin 103 of the free casing 101 is stabbed correctly into the socket 105 of the fixed casing 104, the free casing 101 is rotated with for example, a tong. The threaded pin 103 cooperates with the socket 105 and pulls the free casing 101 downwardly to complete make-up of the joint. As the free casing 101 moves down the piston 112 moves down in the cylinder 111 excess pressure is vented through the vent 118, while a cushion of air continues to support the free casing 101 until make-up is complete. The free casing 101 is now fixed. The travelling block 150, is then lowered so the clamp 115 can be released from under the threaded socket 102 of the previously free casing 102. Upon such re- lease, the piston 112 moves to the upper stop 127 - i.e., the piston 112 automatically moves up to a position suitable for picking up another free casing (not shown) for making up with the previously-free casing 101 until a desired number of joints are made up. The pressure is returned to the initial pressure by automatic opening of the make-up regulator valve 108. As soon as the new length of free casing is suspended the piston 112 moves downwardly in the cylinder 111 until equilibrium is reached. Referring to Fig. 2 there is shown schematically the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 arranged for breaking-out said two tubulars. There is shown an upper casing 129 to be disconnected from a fixed casing 130. The fixed casing 130 is held fast in a spider (not shown) . In a typical breakout operation, the breakout regulator valve 120 is set to a pressure corresponding to an upthrust greater than the weight of an upper casing 129 to be disconnected; in certain aspects about 102%, 104%, 105%, 110%, 115%, or 125% of said weight. Selector valve 106 is set to the breakout position (as shown). Vent valve 131 is then opened (not shown) to release air from underneath the piston 112 and the piston 112 moves down to contact the lower stop 128 as indicated by the gauge 126. The clamp 115 is clamped below the socket 132 of the upper casing 129. Vent valve 131 is then closed (as shown) so air is allowed to enter the cylinder 111 under pressure, beneath the piston 112 resulting in the lifting of the clamp 115 and to apply enough lift to the upper casing 129 to support said upper casing 129. The breakout regulator valve 120 could be set at a pressure about equal to the weight of the upper casing 129 but preferably the pressure regula- tor valve 120 is set at a pressure corresponding to more than the weight of the upper casing 129 so that upon turning and freeing of the upper casing 129 using for example, a power tong (not shown), the upper casing 129 rises and does not contact or bounce on the threaded socket 133 of the fixed casing 130 from which it has been disconnected thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the upper casing 129 or fixed casing 130. As the upper casing 129 is unscrewed it is constantly supported. The freed upper casing 129 is then disconnected from the clamp 115 at which point the piston 112 rises to contact the upper stop 127. The vent valve 131 is then operated to vent air so the piston 112 moves down to contact the lower stop 128. At this point the break- out of another joint may be commenced. Referring to Fig. 3 there is shown a control panel 134 with controls for the valves and gauges described above. An operator can use such a control panel, interconnected with the various valves, the piston 112 and cylinder 111 arrangement, the various gauges, and a pressured air source, on the rig floor, near a tong, or up in a rig derrick. Alternatively such a panel can be wireless, mobile, and/or remote from any location mentioned above, the dotted outline of Fig. 1 encloses items controlled by the control panel of Fig. 3. Figs. 4 and 5 present tables useful with methods according to the present invention to determine air pressure ratings corresponding to a free casing or upper casing 129 of a particular weight and for determining "make-up" and "break-out" pressure settings for the various valves described above. In both Figs. 4 and 5, Column A indicates the weight, in pounds per foot of a casing 101. Column B indicates the weight in points of 40 feet of a cashing as in Column A. Column C indicates the air pressure in p.s.i. necessary to support the free casing 101 or upper casing 129 Column B - for Fig. 4 the apparatus like that of Fig. 1 has a cylinder (like the cylinder 111 ) with an inner diameter of about ten inches and for Fig. 5 of about three inches. Column D indicates a suggested air pressure setting in p.s.i. for the makeup regulator valve for make-up operations. Column E indicates a suggested air pressure setting in p.s.i. for the breakout regulator valve for breakout operations. It should be noted that the units used in the tables of Figures 4 and 5 are those generally accepted in the art. Figs 6 - 11 illustrate a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention generally identified by reference number 200. The apparatus is similar to the apparatus of Fig. 1 and the same reference numerals indicate common items in the 200 series. The apparatus 200 also provides for continuous weight compensation and for automatic re-setting (to the upper position) upon make-up and/or first upper casing 255 breakout of a lower casing 256. In particular the apparatus 200 has a piston 212 that automatically moves downwardly due to the action of a variety of limit switches and a yoke acted on by the piston 212. During a breakout operation the first upper casing 255 is broken out from a lower casing 256 without the need for operator actuation of a vent valve. Fig. 6 shows the apparatus 200 after a first upper casing 255 has been broken out from a second fixed casing 256 which is fixed in a spider (not shown). The first upper casing 255 is shown being lifted by the apparatus 200. Air pressure for lifting the first upper casing 255 originates from a pressurised air source P. In the apparatus 200 a break limit pilot line 260, a make limit pilot line 261, and a pilot line 262 are interconnected with a control panel (not shown). Air under pressure is supplied at about 110% of "neutral" (estimated weight of the upper casing 255 and corresponding air pressure to support same) to the space below the piston 212. Air initially enters the cylinder 211 from pressurised air source P via an interruption control valve 263 and a directional valve 264 which receive air from the air flow line 207 via an air flow line 265. Clamp 215 is connected between the piston rod 213 and the upper casing 255 is moving upwardly due to air pressure below the piston 211. Stop valves 266 and 267 positioned adjacent the cylinder 212 are closed due to the force of their respective springs 218 and 269. The piston 212 moves up until it hits the pin 270 of the step valve 267. Fig. 7 shows the apparatus 200 supporting the first upper casing 255 compensating for the weight of the first upper casing 255 and prepared to release it. The piston 212 has moved up to encounter a pin 270 of the stop valve 267 against the spring 269 (moving it up in Fig. 7), thereby opening a fluid flow path of signal air to flow from pressurised air source P via air flow lines 262 to a pilot valve 271. This signal air crosses the pilot valve 271 and enters a shuttle valve 273 which has a movable ball 274. The movable ball 274 closes off the air flow line 275 and the signal air flows through a line 276 to operate the interruption valve 263. The interruption valve 263 shifts and blocks further air flow from the pressurised air source P to the directional valve 264 and hence the cylinder 211. This blockage arrests the upward motion of the piston 212 and of the first upper casing 255. Fig. 8 shows the apparatus 200 with the first upper casing 255 released therefrom and the apparatus ready to return to break the second casing 256 from a third casing 276 to which the second casing 256 is joined. With the first upper casing 255 moved out of the way with typical known casing moving apparatus, first upper casing 255 is unhooked from the clamp 215. The removal of the weight of the upper casing 255 from the apparatus 200 reduces the load on the piston 212 and on line 214 creating an increase in the net upward force on the piston 212 which overcomes the spring 257 positioned between a member fixed in relation to the cylinder 211 and the stop valve 267 causing the stop valve 267 to travel upward with the piston 212. The piston 212 continues travelling upward until it reaches pin 277 of a yoke 278 that is movably attached to the directional valve 264. The piston 212 pushes on the yoke 278 causing it to actuate the directional 264 via contact with the pin 279. The yoke 278 and the directional valve 264 may be supported by the cylinder 211 or by a frame work attached thereto. When the directional valve 264 is actuated by motion of the yoke 278 the directional valve 264 shifts and directs air via an air flow line 282 to the top of the pilot valve 271 and allowing air from below the piston 211 to vent freely through the directional valve 264 and vent 283 via an air flow line 284. The pilot valve 271 opens the branch connected to the shuttle vale 273, permitting the branch and shuttle valve 273 to vent to atmosphere, thus relieving an operator of the interruption valve 263 whose spring 285 shifts the valve allowing source air to travel to the directional valve 264 and to the top of the piston 212. Fig. 9 illustrates the apparatus 200 ready to return to support and compensate another casing for breakout. With air applied to the top of the piston 212 the piston 212 begins to move down to a "start" position for breakout. The yoke 278 which is actuating the directional valve 264 has a lock detent 286 and remains in a shifted position until the opposite end of the yoke 278 - Il ¬ ls moved and thus air flow to the top of the piston 212 is sustained when the piston 212 breaks contact with the yoke 278 and with the stop valve 267. When the piston 212 moves away from the stop valve 267 on its downward stroke, the spring 269 biasing the stop valve 267 returns the stop valve 267 to normal position, venting air in the air flow line 272. Fig. 10 shows the apparatus 200 ready to latch onto the third casing 276 for breakout from a fourth casing 287. The piston 212 continues its downward stroke until it encounters a pin 288 of lower stop valve 266. When the piston 212 moves down sufficiently to actuate the lower stop valve 266 (against its spring 268 positioned between the lower stop valve 266 and cylinder 211 or a frame of the cylinder), air is admitted through the valve 266 to a pilot valve 289 via an air flow line 290 and thus to the shuttle valve 273. Since the opposite branch of the shuttle valve 273 is vented to atmosphere via vent 291, the movable ball 274 closes the vent path and air is admitted to the interruption valve 263 which shifts the valve "down" interrupting air flow to the directional valve 264 and to the cylinder 211 above the piston 212. Downward motion of the piston 212 ceases and the apparatus 200 is ready for attachment to the third casing 276. Fig. 11 shows the apparatus 200 clamped to the third casing 276 and with slack taken out of the line 214 which is attached to the piston rod 213 which is attached to piston 212 in cylinder 211 by hoisting these items with the travelling block 250. Upward motion of the cylinder 211 brings a pin 295 of the yoke 278 into contact with the piston 212, moving the pin 277 down, shifting the directional valve 264 to a new position. With the directional valve 264 reversed now, air is routed from it to the bottom of the piston 212. The top of the piston 212 is vented through the directional valve 264 and its vent 283. Air also flows to a break limit indicator 292 incorporated in a panel (not shown). The pilot valve operator moves the pilot valve 289 against its spring 293, allowing venting of air pressure between the pilot valve 289 allowing venting of air pressure between the pilot valve 289 and the operator of the interruption valve 263 which unlatches permitting air flow into the directional valve 264 and the cylinder 211. An accumulator 294 provides additional air volume via a line 295 to operate the pilot valve 289. At this point the apparatus 200 is ready to apply a compensating force upward for the third casing 276 and the breakout of the joint proceeds. As described above various amounts of air (or any other suitable gas) provide a spring cushion above and below a piston in a cylinder. Either amount of air may be replaced by a spring or springs ( in one aspect constant force springs ) . In one aspect a spring is connec- ted to the piston and to the cylinder's interior and another spring, on the same side of the piston, is connected either only to the piston or only to the cylinder. A similar arrangement may be made on the other side of the piston. As shown in the second embodiment various rods and actuators extend into the cylinder 211. With appropriate connections and securements, upper and lower rods connected to the piston and movable therewith, with a portion projecting beyond the cylinder may be used to actuate appropriate valves. The various valves and flow lines of the apparatus 200 (other than the source P and control panel) may be adjacent the apparatus 200. For make-up operations, the method described above is reversed.

Claims: Claims 1. A method for connecting a first tubular (101) to a second tubular ( 104 ) , which method comprises the steps of supporting said first tubular (101) above said second tubular (104) from a pneumatically operable device (111, 112); and displacing said first tubular (101) downwardly towards said second tubular (104) to facilitate the connection thereof, characterised in that said method further comprises the steps of allowing pneumatic fluid to vent from said pneumatically operable device as said first tubular ( 101 ) is lowered towards said second tubular (104) and automatically replenishing said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) after release of said first tubular (101). 2. A method according to Claim 1, characterised in that said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) is replenished to a pressure pre-set according to the weight of said first tubular ( 101 ) . 3. A method according to Claim 2, characterised in that said pre-set pressure is obtained from a look up table, a graph or a computer display. 4. A method according to Claim 2 or 3, characterised in that said substantially constant pressure is pre-set by adjusting a pressure regulator valve (108). 5. A method according to any preceding Claim, further comprising the step of venting said pneumatic fluid by the use of a pressure relief valve (116). 6. A method ccording to Claim 5, wherein said pressure relief valve (116) is mechanically operable (277,295). 7. An apparatus for carrying out a method according to Claim 1, said apparatus comprising a pneumatically operable device (111, 112; 211, 212) movable between an upper position ( 127 ) and a lower position ( 128 ) , characterised in that said apparatus further comprises means to vent pneumatic fluid from said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) when, in use, a first tubular (101) is urged towards a second tubular (104), and means (108) to automatically replenish said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) after release of said first tubular (101). 8. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said means to automatically replenish saod pneumatically operable device comprises a pressure regulator ( 108 ) . 9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, wherein said means to vent pneumatic fluid from said pneumatically operable device comprises a pressure relief means (116; 277, 295, 264). 10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said pressure relief means (116) comprises a pressure relief valve (116). 11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 or 10, wherein said pressure relief means comprises a valve (266) actuable by movement of said pneumatic operable device (111, 112; 211, 212). 12. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said valve (266) actuable by movement of said pneumatically operable device (112, 212) comprises a movable pin (288). 13. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 12 wherein said pneumatically operable device (111, 112; 211, 212) is a piston (112) arranged in a cylinder (111).

Inventors: ALBRIGHT STEPHEN LEE, BEARB JEAN DONALD, ALBRIGHT, STEPHEN, LEE, BEARB, JEAN, DONALD
Applicants: LUCAS BRIAN RONALD, WEATHERFORD LAMB, LUCAS, BRIAN, RONALD, WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: E21B19
IPC codes: E21B19