Abstract:
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.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    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 
       [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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 
       [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided to secure a panel in the retracted position above the skid for transportation. 
         [0013]    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. 
         [0014]    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. 
         [0015]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    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. 
         [0018]    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. 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    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. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, three panels are extendable into a deployed end-to-end configuration that extends at a length of at least 100 feet. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment, four panels are extendable into a deployed end-to-end configuration that extends at a length of at least 150 feet. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The objects and features of the invention will become more readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements. 
           [0026]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the service line positioning system having features of the present invention, illustrated in the retracted position above the skid for positioning on a trailer for transportation. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the service line positioning system having features of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the service line positioning system, illustrated as connected between a drilling rig and a supply source and deployed over a nearby well bore. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the service line positioning system, illustrated as connected between a drilling rig and a supply source and deployed over a nearby well bore. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the service line positioning system, illustrated as connected between a drilling rig and a supply source and deployed over a well bore located at a further distance. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the service line positioning system, illustrated as connected between a drilling rig and a supply source and deployed over a well bore that is on the location, but remote to the skid. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a service line positioning system (SLPS)  100  having features of the present invention. System  100  comprises a skid  102  that is mountable on a trailer for transportation between locations for drilling. A skid post  104  extends generally vertically upwards from skid  102 . A plurality of panels  150  is located on skid  102 . At least one of panels  150  is pivotally connected to skid post  104 . Service lines  200  are attached to panels  150 . 
         [0035]    In  FIG. 1 , panels  150  are illustrated in the retracted position above a skid  102  for positioning on a trailer (not shown) for transportation. In the embodiment illustrated, panels  150  are retractable in a folding relationship such that service lines  200  are exterior to the folded connections between panels. 
         [0036]    Panels  150  are connected in end-to-end series arrangement. Skid post  104  may be located in between two panels  150 . Other posts or connecting devices may be located between other panels  150 . In the embodiment illustrated, panels  150  fold at connection points in a manner that locates service lines  200  exterior to the vertex of each folded connection between panels  150 . 
         [0037]    A guide rail  106  may be provided around the perimeter of skid  102 . In a preferred embodiment, guide rail  106  provides a vertical support for panels  150 . Rails  106  may provide support for panels  150  when panels  150  are in the retracted position. Also, rails  106  may provide support for panels  150  when panels  150  are extended beyond the perimeter of skid  102 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of service line positioning system  100  having features of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated, system  100  has four panels  150 . Panels  150  are comprised of a first panel  110 , having a first end  112  and an opposite second end  114 ; a second panel  120 , having a first end  122  and an opposite second end  124 ; a third panel  130 , having a first end  132  and an opposite second end  134 ; and a fourth panel  140 , having a first end  142  and an opposite second end  144 . 
         [0039]    Service lines  200  extend in a continuous length between first panel  110 , second panel  120 , third panel  130 , and fourth panel  140 . In this embodiment, the source of the service in service lines  200  is connected to service lines  200  at the first end  112  of first panel  110 . The far opposite end of service lines  200  is connected to a junction box at a drilling rig  40  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0040]    As stated, panels  150  are connected in end-to-end series arrangement, although posts such as skid post  104  or other connective hardware may be located between the panel  150  connections. In this embodiment, second end  114  of first panel  110  is pivotally connected to skid post  104 . First end  122  of second post  120  is also pivotally connected to skid post  104 . First end  132  of third panel  130  is pivotally connected to second end  124  of second panel  120 . First end  142  of fourth panel  140  is pivotally connected to second end  134  of third panel  130 . 
         [0041]    In another embodiment not illustrated, system  100  has three panels, being first panel  110 , second panel  120 , and third panel  130 . In another embodiment not illustrated, system  100  has only two panels, being second panel  120 , and third panel  130 . 
         [0042]    A latch post  108  may be attached to skid  102 . Latch post  108  may provide vertical load support to one or more of panels  150  when panels  150  are in the retracted position for transportation. Latch post  108  provides a mechanism for ensuring one or more panels  150  are locked in place relative to skid  102  for transportation. A connecting strike  109  may be provided at the bottom of one or more panels  150  for engagement with latch post  108 . There may alternatively be more than one latch post  108 . It will be understood that strikes  109  and latch posts  108  are reversible in regards to their location. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of service line positioning system  100 , illustrated as connected to drilling rig  40 . A rig post  190  is supported between a base box  44  and a side box  46  of drilling rig  40 . Rig post  190  must be sufficiently sturdy to support a portion of the weight of system  100 . Second end  144  of fourth panel  140  is pivotally connected to rig post  190 . Rig post  190  may be advantageously irremovably attached to rig  40  to facilitate transportation of drilling rig  40 . 
         [0044]    Service lines  200  extend beyond second end  144  of fourth panel  140  for connection to a junction box, or for direct connection to the appropriate equipment receiving service line  200 , such as a top drive, drawworks, control panel, or other device (service line  200  extension and connections not illustrated). 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of service line positioning system  100 , illustrated as connected between drilling rig  40  and a supply source  210  (not shown), and deployed over a nearby well bore  12  of a lease  10 . For clarity, rig  40  is shown without a mast. As illustrated, lease  10  may have a plurality of well bores. In the embodiment illustrated, well bores  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  34  are all present on lease  10 . 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 lease  10 . 
         [0046]    In this practice, drilling rig  40  may be equipped with translation pods  42  for moving rig  40  without the need to disassemble rig  40 . The problem solved by the several embodiments of the present invention is the need to extend service lines  200  with the movement of drilling rig  40 , and to do so in an economic manner and, most preferably, without interfering with ground traffic. 
         [0047]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , skid  102  is elevated and mounted on a structure  60 . Structure  60  can be any structure capable of supporting the weight of system  100 . First panel  110  is deployed and extended outward from skid  102 . A source post  170  is located on a second structure  70 . Structure  70  can be any structure capable of supporting the weight of system  100 . As an example, and not by way of limitation, structure  70  can be a variable frequency drive house or 
         [0048]    First end  112  of first panel  110  is connected to source post  170 . Service lines  200  extend beyond first end  112  of first panel  110  for connection to a junction box, or for direct connection to the supply system for the service line  200 , such as a generator, pump, compressor, or other source (service line  200  extension and connections not illustrated). As illustrated, elevation of skid  102  and supply post  170  permits a vehicle  300  to maneuver between structures  60  and  70  without interfering with service lines  200 . 
         [0049]    Second panel  120  remains in the retracted position. First end  122  of second panel  120  is pivotally connected to skid post  104 . Second end  124  of second panel  120  is illustrated in latched position to prevent movement of second panel  120  when drilling rig  40  is positioned over nearby well bore  12  for drilling. In this position, second end  124  of second panel  120  may be supported by latch post  108 , or by guide rail  106 . 
         [0050]    Third panel  130  is shown in the deployed position. Optionally, a pedestal  180  (not shown) may be used to help support the weight of third panel  130  and fourth panel  140  during initial connection of fourth panel  140  to drilling rig  40 . Alternatively, commonly present drilling rig equipment, such as a mast headache rack, may serve as pedestal  180 . Optionally, pedestal  180  may remain in place during drilling operations to add stability to system  100 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of service line positioning system  100  deployed over well bore  34 , which is located at a distance further away from skid  102 . In  FIG. 5 , drilling rig  40  has been relocated over well bore  34 , such as by use of translation pods  42 . System  100  has permitted service lines  200  to remain connected, and thus provide continuous power for the relocation of drilling rig  40 , and to be ready for all drilling operations at well bore  34 . 
         [0052]    During relocation of drilling rig  40  between well bore  12  and well bore  34 , it remains unnecessary to deploy second panel  120 . However, deployment is optional. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of service line positioning system  100  deployed over well bore  22 , which is located at a distance far away from skid  102 . In  FIG. 6 , drilling rig  40  has been relocated over well bore  22 , such as by use of translation pods  42 . System  100  has permitted service lines  200  to remain connected, and thus provide continuous power for the relocation of drilling rig  40 , and to be ready for all drilling operations at well bore  22 . 
         [0054]    During relocation of drilling rig  40  between well bore  34  and well bore  22 , it is necessary to deploy second panel  120 . If used, latch post  108  is disengaged from strike  109  to allow second panel  120  to pivot freely about skid post  104 . As illustrated, system  100  is in near to full extension. During such lengthy extension, pedestal  180  may be located beneath third panel  130  for additional support. In another embodiment, pedestal  180  may be a wheeled device, such that it relocates independently when rig  40  is relocated. 
         [0055]    In this embodiment, first panel  110  and second structure  70  act as a counterbalance to the weight of fully extended second panel  120 , third panel  130 , and fourth panel  140 . As such, it is preferable to locate source post  170  near to the center of gravity of second structure  70 . It is also preferable that second structure  70  weigh about 10,000 pounds or greater. It is also preferable to locate first panel  110  generally perpendicular to skid  102 . 
         [0056]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 , panels  150  are deployed in a horizontal plane. As best seen in  FIG. 6 , first panel  110  is deployed in a first direction from skid  102 , and second panel  120  is deployed in a second direction from skid  102  that is different from the first direction of first panel  110 . 
         [0057]    In the embodiment illustrated in which four panels  150  are 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. 
         [0058]    While the aspects of the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. But it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.