Patent Publication Number: US-9416595-B2

Title: Self-elevating mast employing drive carriage

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/799,279, filed Mar. 13, 2013, now allowed, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by express reference thereto. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates in general to drilling rigs, and in particular, to assembling a drilling rig using a self-elevating substructure, rig floor, and mast. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     While various equipment is used in exploration and production operations, such as for oil and gas, accidents sometimes occur with existing drilling rig equipment and operations are otherwise inefficient when numerous personnel are required. Thus, there is a need for improved drilling rig equipment as further disclosed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE. DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational side view of an apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  are flow chart illustrations that together describe a method of operating the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 3-5A  are views similar to that of  FIG. 1 , but depict the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in different operational modes, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6-30  are views similar to that of  FIG. 1 , but depict the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in different operational modes, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an elevational view of an apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  may be used during the construction of a land-based drilling rig  15 . In several exemplary embodiments, however, instead of a land-based drilling rig, the apparatus  10  may be used in connection with any type of drilling rig, such as a Jack-up rig, a semi-submersible rig, a drill ship, a coil tubing rig, or a casing drilling rig, among others. In one embodiment, the drilling rig  15  includes a platform including at least a substructure  25  supporting a platform floor or a rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the platform includes the substructure and the platform or rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the drilling rig  15  extends longitudinally along an axis  32 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5B , in one embodiment, the substructure  25  includes upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b , middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b , and lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b . In one embodiment, the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  are attached to at least strong back frames  50   a  and  50   b . In one embodiment, the strong back frames  50   a  and  50   b  are arranged in parallel or “at least substantially” (e.g., within 10 degrees) in parallel. In one embodiment, a setback spreader frame  55  and a rear spreader frame  60  are arranged in parallel or at least substantially in parallel and connect the strong back frames  50   a  and  50   b . In one embodiment, the spreader frames  55  and  60  connect the strong back frames  50   a  and  50   b  to form an opening  65 . In one embodiment, the spreader frames  55  and  60  and strong back frames  50   a  and  50   b  form the generally horizontal rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the rig floor  30  is adapted to be positioned above a wellbore  68 , which can be a wellbore or a planned wellbore. In some embodiments, the opening  65  has an axis that is coaxial with an axis of the wellbore  68  and or the axis  32 . In another embodiment, the opening  65  has an axis parallel or at least substantially parallel with the axis of the wellbore  68  and or the axis  32 . In another embodiment, the opening  65  is generally above the wellbore  68 . In another embodiment, the opening  65  is generally disposed above the wellbore  68  when the apparatus  10  is in operation. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  10  includes a drive carriage system  70  having a carriage frame  75  attached to the rig floor  30 , a pinion drive carriage  80  attached to the carriage frame  75 , and a stabilizer frame  85  attached to the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the carriage frame  75  is attached to the rig floor  30  and extends vertically from the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, carriage frame  75  has an upper portion and an opposing lower portion connected to the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the pinion drive carriage  80  is attached to the lower portion of the carriage frame  75  or the upper portion of the carriage frame  75 . In one embodiment, the pinion drive carriage  80  can be attached to the carriage frame  75  using a pin system, bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener. In one embodiment, the pinion drive carriage  80  extends in a vertical direction parallel or at least substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the wellbore  68  and or the axis  32 , and has a plurality of electric motors  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c , and  90   d . Each pinion from a plurality of pinions  95   a ,  95   b ,  95   c , and  95   d  is operably coupled to the respective electric motor  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c , and  90   d . In one embodiment, each pinion from the plurality of pinions  95   a ,  95   b ,  95   c , and  95   d  is adapted to engaged teeth of a rack  100  located on a longitudinal edge of a mast section  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d  or  105   e  (the mast sections  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , and  105   e  are not shown). In one embodiment, the electric motors  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c , and  90   d  cause the respective pinions operably coupled thereto to rotate and engage teeth of the rack  100 . As a result, the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , and or  105   e  and the pinion drive carriage  80  move relative to each other. That is, if the pinion drive carriage  80  is attached to the rig floor  30 , then activation of the electric motors  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c , and  90   d  causes the respective pinions operably coupled thereto to rotate and engage the teeth of the rack  100  so that the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c , etc., move in a vertical direction relative to the pinion drive carriage  80 . In one embodiment, if the mast section  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d  or  105   e  is attached to the rig floor  30 , then activation of the electric motors  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c , and  90   d  causes the respective pinions operably coupled thereto to rotate and engage the teeth of the rack  100  so that the pinion drive carriage  80  moves in a vertical direction relative to the mast section  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , or  105   e . In one embodiment, the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , and  105   e  extend along a first axis and move in a vertical direction along the first axis upon actuation of the plurality of motors  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c , and  90   d . One embodiment of the pinions  95   a ,  95   b ,  95   c ,  95   d , carriage  80 , and motors  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c , and  90   d  are described in U.S. Application No. 61/646,686, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by express reference thereto. In one embodiment, multiple pinion drive carriages  80  can be used, including on an opposite side of the mast  105  by forming another vertical support as a second rack like rack  100 . In another embodiment, an additional or alternative pinion drive carriage may be arranged in a vertical position relative to the depicted pinion drive carriage  80 , such as below it under the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the stabilizer frame  85  is attached to the rig floor  30  and extends vertically or at least substantially vertically therefrom. In one embodiment, the stabilizer frame  85  has a support extending vertically and parallel or at least substantially with the axis of the wellbore  68  and or the axis  32 . In one embodiment, the stabilizer frame  85  engages and stabilizes the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , etc. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  10  also includes a frame moving system or a platform raising system  110  positioned or arranged relative to the wellbore  68 . In one embodiment, the platform raising system  110  has a sub skid  115  and a plurality of actuators  120 , in one embodiment, the sub skid  115  is movable and supports the plurality of actuators  120 . In one embodiment, the sub skid  115  is rectangular, while in others it is square, trapezoidal, a parallelogram, or other quadrilateral shape. In another embodiment, the sub skid  115  may be any shape that is sufficiently sized to fit between the sub boxes while permitting the plurality of actuators  120  to be disposed over the sub skid  115 . In one embodiment, the plurality of actuators  120  typically extends vertically, or in a vertical direction, from the sub skid  115 . That is, each longitudinal axis of the plurality of actuators  120  is typically parallel or at least substantially parallel with the axis of the wellbore  68  and or the axis  32 . In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of actuators  120  are, or include, telescoping, hydraulic cylinders. In several exemplary embodiments, each of the actuators of the plurality of actuators  120  is, includes, or is part of, a hydraulic actuator, an electromagnetic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a linear actuator, and/or any combination thereof. When actuated, each of the plurality of actuators  120  applies a force in a vertical direction, or in at least substantially vertical direction. In one embodiment, the plurality of actuators  120  extend or retract their respective lengths along a vertical or at least substantially vertical axis. In one embodiment, each actuator of the plurality of actuators  120  has one or more couplings  122  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) that engage the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, a plurality of platform raising systems  110  are located below the rig floor  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the drilling rig  15  includes a mast  105  including the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , and  105   e . In one embodiment, the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , and  105   e  are temporarily attached together to form the mast  105 . In one embodiment, the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , and  105   e  are temporarily attached together to form the mast  105  using a bolt and pin system, wherein an opening on a lower section of the mast section  105   a  and an opening on an upper section of the mast section  105   b  are attached using a bolt or pin or both (not shown). This permits the methods described herein to be reversed to disassemble the apparatus to facilitate movement thereof to a new wellbore or other location. In one embodiment, however, the mast sections are permanently joined as they are connected. In some embodiments, the mast  105  extends through the opening  65 . In one embodiment, the mast  105  is coupled to the rig floor  30 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , with continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , a method of operating the apparatus  10  is generally referred to by the reference numeral  200 . In an exemplary embodiment, the execution of the method  200  results in the construction of the substructure  25 , the rig floor  30 , and the mast  105 . 
     At step  205  and as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5B , the platform raising system  110  of the apparatus  10  is located near or proximate the wellbore  68  in an operating position. In an exemplary embodiment, a first platform raising system  110  and a second platform raising system  112  are located on opposing sides of the wellbore  68  in the operating position. In an exemplary embodiment, a first platform raising system  110  and the second platform raising system  112  are located in parallel on opposing sides of the wellbore  68  in the operating position. In an exemplary embodiment, a first platform raising system  110  and the second platform raising system  112  are located proximate a wellbore site, which is a site including the wellbore  68 . 
     At step  210  and as shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  are arranged adjacent to or proximate the platform raising system  110 . In one embodiment, the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  are arranged in parallel or at least substantially in parallel. In one embodiment, the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  are arranged so that the platform raising system  110  is located between the upper sub box  35   a  and the upper sub box  35   b.    
     At step  215  and as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the rig floor  30  is arranged. The strong back frames  50   a  and  50   b , the setback spreader frame  55 , and or the rear spreader frame  60  are attached to the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b . The strong back frame  50   a  and the strong back frame  50   b  are located above the platform raising system  110 . The couplings  122  are adapted to engage the strong back frames  50   a  and  50   b.    
     At step  220  and as shown in  FIG. 6 , the drive carriage frame  75  is attached to the rig floor  30 . The drive carriage frame  75  may be attached to the rig floor  30  using a pin system, bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener(s). As to all fasteners discussed herein, these may be independently selected to be permanent or releasable fasteners, which will depend on whether it is desired that the apparatus, or portion thereof, is to remain assembled or to be disassembled, moved, and either stored or reassembled at another wellbore site. 
     At step  225  and as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the mast section  105   a  and the pinion drive carriage  80  are attached to the pinion drive carriage frame  75 . In one embodiment, the teeth of the rack  100  of the mast section  105   a  engage the pinions  95   a ,  95   b ,  95   c , and  95   d  (not shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) on the pinion drive carriage  80  so the mast section  105   a  and the pinion drive carriage  80  are coupled. In one embodiment, the pinion drive carriage  80  is attached to the drive carriage frame  75  using a pin system, bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener. 
     At step  230  and as shown in  FIG. 9 , the rear mast stabilizer frame  85  is attached to the rig floor  30 . The rear mast stabilizer frame  85  may be coupled to the rig floor  30  using a pin system, bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener(s). 
     At step  235  and as shown in  FIG. 10 , a driller house and operating equipment  225  is attached to the rig floor  30 . The driller house and operating equipment  225  may be coupled to the rig floor  30  using a pin system, bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener(s). 
     At step  240 , the plurality of actuators  120  are extended so that the couplings  122  engage the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the plurality of actuators  120  are extended so that a vertical force is applied to the rig floor  30 , lifting or raising the rig floor  30  and the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  to a first position. In one embodiment, the first position is a position at which the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  may be arranged below the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b , respectively. In one embodiment, the plurality of actuators  120  are extendable to at least a first height corresponding to the first position. 
     At step  245 , the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  are arranged below the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b , respectively. That is, the middle sub box  40   a  is arranged below the upper sub box  35   a  and the middle sub box  40   b  is arranged below the upper sub box  35   b . In one embodiment, the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  are arranged below the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  so that the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  may be attached to the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b , respectively, upon the lowering of the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b.    
     At step  250 , and as shown in  FIG. 11 , the plurality of actuators  120  are retracted so that the rig floor  30  and the attached upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  are lowered to a second position at which the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  may be attached to the upper sub box  35   a  and  35   b , respectively. In one embodiment, the plurality of actuators  120  are retractable to at least a second height that corresponds to the second position. In one embodiment, the middle sub box  40   a  is attached to the upper sub box  35   a  and the middle sub box  40   b  is attached to the upper sub box  35   b . The upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  may be coupled to the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  using a pin system, bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener(s). 
     At step  255 , and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of actuators  120  are extended so that the vertical force is applied to the rig floor  30 , lifting the rig floor  30 , the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b , and the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  to a third position. In one embodiment, the third position is a position at which the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b  may be arranged below the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b , respectively. In one embodiment, the plurality of actuators  120  are extendable to at least a third height corresponding to the third position at which the lower sub box  45   a  may be arranged below the middle sub box  40   a  and the lower sub box  45   b  may be arranged below the middle sub box  40   b.    
     At step  260 , the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b  are arranged below the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b , in a similar manner to that which the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  are arranged below the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  at step  245 . 
     At step  265 , and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of actuators  120  are retracted so that the rig floor  30 , the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b , and the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  are lowered to a fourth position at which the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b  may be attached to the middle sub box  40   a  and  40   b , respectively. In one embodiment, the plurality of actuators  120  are retractable to at least a fourth height that corresponds to the fourth position at which lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b  may be attached to the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b , respectively. The middle sub box  40   a  is attached to the lower sub box  45   a  and the middle sub box  40   b  is attached to the lower sub box  45   a  in a similar manner to that which the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b  are attached to the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  at step  250 . 
     At step  270 , the plurality of actuators  120  are retracted to disengage from the rig floor  30  and the platform raising system  110  is be removed from below the rig floor  30 . 
     At step  275  and as shown in  FIG. 12 , a walking system  228  is attached or operably coupled to the substructure  25 . The walking system  228  may include one or more catwalks or other walkable structures that are attached to the apparatus  10  and sufficient to support one or more persons. 
     In an alternative embodiment, step  275  is omitted and the walking system  228  is included in the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b , the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b , or the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b.    
     At step  280  and as shown in  FIG. 12 , a mast skid  230  is arranged below the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the mast skid  230  is rectangular, while in others it is square, trapezoidal, a parallelogram, or other quadrilateral shape. In another embodiment, the mast skid  230  may be any shape that is sufficiently sized to fit between the sub boxes while permitting the plurality of actuators  120  to be disposed over the mast skid  230 . In one embodiment, the mast skid  230  accommodates a mast section, such as the mast section  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c , etc., so that the mast sections  105   b ,  105   c , etc., may be placed on the mast skid  230  in a vertical position. That is, a longitudinal axis of the mast section  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c , etc., is parallel or at least substantially parallel with the axis of the wellbore  68  and or the axis  32 . The mast skid  230  is located such that the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b , etc., are located beneath the opening  65  of the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   b  is arranged on the mast skid  230  below the rig floor  30  in a vertically or typically vertical position below the mast section  105   a . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   b  is arranged on the mast skid  230  in a vertical position. That is, a longitudinal axis of the mast section  105   b  is parallel with, at least substantially parallel with, or coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the wellbore  68  and or the axis  32 . In one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the mast section  105   b  is parallel with, at least substantially parallel with, or coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the opening  65 . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   b  is located below the opening  65  so that the mast section  105   b  may pass through the opening  65 . 
     At step  285  and as shown in  FIG. 13 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast section  105   a , is lowered, using the pinion drive carriage  80 , to a position at which the mast section  105   a  may connect with the mast section  105   b . In one embodiment, an upper portion of the mast section  105   b  is connected to a lower portion of the mast section  105   a  using a pin and bolt system. In another embodiment, the mast section  105   b  is connected to the mast section  105   a  using bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener(s). 
     At step  290  and as shown in  FIG. 14 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast sections  105   a  and  105   b , is raised in an upward or vertical direction away from the mast skid  230  using the pinion drive carriage  80 . 
     At step  295  and as shown in  FIG. 15 , the mast section  105   c  is arranged on the mast skid  230  below the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   c  is arranged on the mast section in a vertically or typically vertical position below the mast section  105   b . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   c  is arranged on the mast skid  230  in a manner similar to that which the mast section  105   b  is arranged on the mast skid  230  at step  280 . 
     At step  300  and as shown in  FIG. 16 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast sections  105   a  and  105   b , is lowered and attached to the mast section  105   c  in a manner similar to that which the mast  105  is lowered and attached to the mast section  105   b  at step  285 . 
     At step  305  and as shown in  FIG. 17 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b , and  105   c , is raised in an upward or vertical direction away from the mast skid  230  using the pinion drive carriage  80 . 
     At step  310  and as shown in  FIG. 18 , the mast section  105   d  is arranged on the mast skid  230  below the rig floor  30  in a vertically or typically vertical position below the mast section  105   c . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   d  is arranged on the mast skid  230  in a manner similar to that which the mast section  105   b  is arranged on the mast skid  230  at step  280 . 
     At step  315  and as shown in  FIG. 19 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b  and  105   c , is lowered and attached to the mast section  105   d  in a manner similar to that which the mast section  105   a  is attached to the mast section  105   b  at step  285 . 
     At step  320  and as shown in  FIG. 20 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c , and  105   d , is raised in an upward or vertical direction away from the mast skid  230  using the pinion drive carriage  80 . 
     At step  325 , the mast section  105   e  is arranged on the mast skid  230  below the rig floor  30  in a vertically or typically vertical position below the mast section  105   d . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   e  is arranged on the mast skid  230  in a manner similar to that which the mast section  105   b  is arranged on the mast skid  230  at step  280 . 
     At step  330  and as shown in  FIG. 21 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b    105   c , and  105   d , is lowered and attached to the mast section  105   e  in a manner similar to that which the mast section  105   a  is attached to the mast section  105   b  at step  285 . 
     At step  335  and as shown in  FIG. 22 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , and  105   e , is raised in an upward or vertical direction away from the mast skid  230  using the pinion drive carriage  80 . 
     At step  340  and as shown in  FIG. 23 , a rig floor center  30   a  is arranged on the mast skid  230  below the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the rig floor center  30   a  is a portion of the rig floor  30  and is sized to allow for the rig floor center  30   a  to be accommodated within the opening  65 . In one embodiment, the rig floor center  30   a  is a rotary section that connects to the rig floor  30  during drilling. In one embodiment, the rig floor center  30   a  may include a rotating system or rotating equipment, such as a rotary-table system, turntable, or master bushing and Kelly drive bushing. In another embodiment, the rig floor center  30   a  includes a rotary table skid. 
     At step  345  and as shown in  FIG. 24 , the mast  105 , which includes the mast sections  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d , and  105   e , is lowered and attached to the rig floor center  30   a  in a manner similar to that which the mast section  105   a  is attached to the mast section  105   b  at step  285 . 
     At step  350  and as shown in  FIG. 25 , the mast  105  and the rig floor center  30   a  are raised in the upward or vertical direction away from the mast skid  230  using the pinion drive carriage  80  to a rig floor operating position and attached to the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the rig floor operation position is a position at which the rig floor center  30   a  is located during operation of the drilling rig  15 . In one embodiment, the rig floor center  30   a  is attached to the rig floor  30  using a pin and bolt system (not shown). In another embodiment, the rig floor center  30   a  is connected to the rig floor  30  using bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener(s). In one embodiment, hydraulic actuators are used to secure pins located on the rig floor center  30   a  into plates located on the rig floor  30  that receive the pins. In another embodiment, hydraulic, actuators are used to secure pins located on the rig floor  30  into plates located on the rig floor center  30   a  that receive the pins. 
     In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 26 , with continuing reference to  FIG. 1-2C , steps  225  and  230  of the method  200  may be replaced by steps  355 ,  360 ,  365 ,  370 ,  375  and  380  as described below. 
     At step  355  and as shown in  FIG. 27 , the mast section  105   a  and the pinion drive carriage  80  are arranged on the mast skid  230  below the rig floor  30  in a vertically or typically vertical position. That is, a longitudinal axis of the mast section  105   a  is parallel with, at least substantially parallel with, or coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the wellbore  68  and or the axis  32 . In one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the mast section  105   a  is parallel with, at least substantially parallel with, or coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the opening  65 . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   a  is located below the opening  65  so that the mast section  105   a  may pass through the opening  65 . The pinion drive carriage  80  is operably coupled to the mast section  105   a.    
     At step  360  and as shown in  FIG. 28 , the pinion drive carriage  80  travels vertically along the rack  100  of the mast section  105   a  so that at least a portion of the pinion drive carriage  80  passes through the opening  65  to a first drive carriage holding position and attaches to the carriage frame  75 . In one embodiment, the pinion drive carriage  80  travels vertically to the first drive carriage holding position at which the pinion drive carriage  80  may be attached to the carriage frame  75 . In one embodiment, the first pinion drive holding position is associated with a height at which an upper portion of the pinion drive carriage  80  attaches to the lower portion of the carriage frame  75 . 
     At step  365  and as shown in  FIG. 29 , the rear mast stabilizer frame  85  is attached to the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the rear mast stabilizer frame  85  may be coupled to the rig floor  30  using a pin system, bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener(s). 
     At step  370 , the mast section  105   a  is raised, using the pinion drive carriage  80 , through the opening  65  and is attached to the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the mast section  105   a  is attached to the rig floor  30  using holding locks, a pin system, bolts, screws, or any other type(s) of adequate fastener(s). 
     At step  375  and as shown in  FIG. 30 , the pinion drive carriage  80  is detached from the carriage frame  75  and travels vertically along the rack  100  of the mast section  105   a  to a second pinion drive carriage holding position. In one embodiment, the second pinion drive carriage holding position is a position at which the pinion drive carriage  80  operates for the remainder of the method  200 . In one embodiment, the second pinion drive carriage holding position is associated with a height at which the upper portion of the pinion drive carriage  80  is attached to the upper portion of the carriage frame  75 . 
     At step  380 , the pinion drive carriage  80  is attached to the carriage frame  75  and the mast section  105   a  is detached from the rig floor  30 . In one embodiment, the upper portion of the pinion drive carriage  80  is attached to the upper portion of the carriage frame  75 . 
     In one embodiment, a method of constructing the platform includes steps  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  240 ,  245 ,  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265 , and  270 . 
     In one embodiment, a method of constructing the mast  105  includes steps  220 - 235  and steps  275 - 350 . 
     In another embodiment, a method of constructing the mast  105  include steps  220 ,  355 - 380 ,  235 , and  275 - 350 . 
     In another embodiment, additional sub boxes as required are attached to the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b  in a manner similar to that which the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b  are attached to the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  at step  265 . In another embodiment, the platform is constructed using only the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b  and the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b , the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b  and the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b , or the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b  and the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35 . In another embodiment, the platform is constructed using only the lower sub boxes  45   a  and  45   b , the middle sub boxes  40   a  and  40   b , or the upper sub boxes  35   a  and  35   b.    
     The present disclosure introduces a method including attaching a carriage support to a platform, the platform comprising a platform floor having an opening therein, with the carriage support located proximate the opening; attaching a drive carriage to the carriage support; operably coupling to the drive carriage a first mast section of a mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, wherein the first mast section is located above the opening; arranging a second mast section below the first mast section; lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section through the opening; attaching the first mast section to the second mast section; and raising, using the drive carriage, the first roast section and the second mast section through the opening. In one aspect, the method also includes arranging a floor section below the second mast section; lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening; attaching the floor section to the second mast section; raising, using the drive carriage, the first mast section, the second mast section, and the floor section; and attaching the floor section to the platform floor. In one aspect, connecting the first mast section to the second mast section includes securing a lower portion of the first mast section and an upper portion of the second mast section together using a fastener. In one aspect, the drive carriage includes: a plurality of motors; and a plurality of pinions; wherein each pinion of the plurality of pinions is coupled to a respective motor of the plurality of motors; and wherein each pinion of the plurality of pinions is adapted to engage teeth located on a longitudinal edge of the first mast section and the second mast section. In one aspect, operably coupling the first mast section to the drive carriage includes engaging the teeth of the first mast section with the plurality of pinions of the drive carriage. In one aspect, actuation of one or more of the motors effects relative movement between the first mast section and the drive carriage. In one aspect, the opening is located above a wellbore. In one aspect, the floor section is attached to the platform floor using fasteners. In one aspect, the floor section includes a rotating system. In one aspect, the method also includes repeating the raising of an upper respective mast section, arranging of a lower respective mast section below the upper respective mast section, lowering of the upper respective mast section, and attaching of the upper and lower respective mast sections until the plurality of mast sections has been attached to form the mast. 
     The present disclosure also introduces a method including attaching a carriage support to a platform, the platform comprising a platform floor having an opening therein, with the carriage support located proximate the opening; operably coupling a first mast section of a mast to a drive carriage; arranging the first mast section and the drive carriage below the platform and the opening; raising the drive carriage to a first height; attaching the drive carriage to the carriage support; raising the first mast section, using the drive carriage, through the opening; attaching the first mast section to the platform floor; detaching the drive carriage from the carriage support; raising the drive carriage to a second height; detaching the first mast section from the platform floor; arranging a second mast section below the first mast section; lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section towards the second mast section; attaching the first mast section to the second mast section; and raising, using the drive carriage, the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening. In one aspect, the method also includes arranging a floor section below the second mast section; lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section and the second mast section towards the floor section; attaching the floor section to the second mast section; raising, using the drive carriage, the first mast section, the second mast section, and the floor section; and attaching the floor section to the platform. In one aspect, attaching the first mast section to the second mast section includes securing a lower portion of the first mast section and an upper portion of the second mast section together using a fastener. In one aspect, the drive carriage includes: a plurality of motors; and a plurality of pinions; wherein each pinion of the plurality of pinions is coupled to a respective motor of the plurality of motors; and wherein each pinion of the plurality of pinions is adapted to engage teeth located on a longitudinal edge of the first mast section and the second mast section. In one aspect, operably coupling the first mast section to the drive carriage includes engaging the teeth of the first mast section with the plurality of pinions of the drive carriage. In one aspect, actuation of the plurality of motors effects relative movement between the first mast section and the drive carriage. In one aspect, the opening is located above a wellbore. In one aspect, the floor section is attached to the platform using pins. In one aspect, the floor section includes a rotating system. In one aspect, the first height corresponds to a height at which an upper portion of the drive carriage attaches to a lower portion of the carriage support; wherein the second height corresponds to a height at which the upper portion of the drive carriage attaches to an upper portion of the carriage support; and wherein the second height is greater than the first height. 
     The present disclosure also describes an apparatus including a platform comprising a platform floor with an opening therein; a carriage support comprising a lower portion attached to the platform and an opposing upper portion, wherein the carriage support is located proximate the opening; and a drive carriage adapted to be attached to the carriage support; wherein the drive carriage includes: a plurality of motors; and a plurality of pinions; wherein each pinion of the plurality of pinions is coupled to a respective motor of the plurality of motors. In one aspect, the apparatus also includes a first mast section located below the platform floor, the first mast section extending along a first axis, the first mast section having a longitudinal edge with teeth located thereon; wherein each pinion of the plurality of pinions is adapted to engage the teeth of the first mast section and to operably couple the drive carriage to the first mast section; and wherein activation of the plurality of motors effects relative movement between the first mast section and the drive carriage along the first axis. In one aspect, the first mast section and the drive carriage are located below the platform floor and the opening; wherein the drive carriage is adapted to travel along the first axis towards the platform floor upon activation of the plurality of motors; wherein an upper portion of the drive carriage is adapted to be attached to the lower portion of the carriage support; wherein the first mast section is adapted to travel along the first axis upon activation of the plurality of motors; wherein the first mast section is adapted to attach to the platform; wherein the upper portion of the drive carriage is adapted to detach from the lower portion of the carriage support; wherein the drive carriage is adapted to travel along the first axis towards the upper portion of the carriage support; wherein the upper portion of the drive carriage is adapted to attach to the upper portion of the carriage support; and wherein the first mast section is adapted to detach from the platform. In one aspect, a second mast section is arranged below the first mast section; wherein the first mast section is adapted to be lowered along the first axis, upon activation of the plurality of motors, towards the second mast section; wherein the first mast section and the second mast section are configured to be attached; wherein the first mast section and the second mast section are adapted to travel upwards along the first axis, upon activation of the plurality of motors, and wherein the first axis is oriented at least substantially vertically. In one aspect, the second mast section includes a rotating system. In one aspect, the second mast section is adapted to be attached to the platform. In one aspect, the opening is located above a wellbore. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments. 
     Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations. 
     Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. 
     The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that a person of ordinary skill in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Such features may be replaced by any one of numerous equivalent alternatives, only some of which are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. One of ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     The Abstract at the end of this disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 
     Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.