Patent Publication Number: US-11035178-B2

Title: Apparatus and methods for moving workover rigs

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/511,964, filed Jul. 15, 2019, which is pending and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/697,619, filed Jul. 13, 2018, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The disclosure relates generally to the field of oil rigs and well head maintenance. More specifically, the disclosure relates to workover rigs and systems and methods for moving the workover rigs. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is not intended to identify critical elements of the disclosure or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented elsewhere. 
     According to one embodiment, a transportation apparatus for moving a workover rig includes a first and a second pony substructure. A joist connects the first pony substructure to the second pony substructure. At least one stomper is operably connected to each of the first and second pony substructures for moving the transportation apparatus from a first location to a second location. The first and second pony substructures are configured to receive a vehicle that is configured as a workover rig. A proximal end of a first guide wire attaches to the walking structure, and a distal end of the guide wire attaches to the workover rig to stabilize the workover rig atop the transportation apparatus. 
     According to another embodiment, a transportable workover rig system includes a walking structure and a workover rig. The walking structure is formed by a pair of pony substructures, each substructure having a frame defining a platform, and each platform having a track. A plurality of joists secures together the pair of pony substructures, and a gap is defined between the respective pony substructures by the joists. A first stomper is disposed at a first end of the frame of each pony substructure, and a second stomper disposed at a second end of the frame of each pony substructure. A ramp is temporarily securable to the first end or the second end of the frame. The workover rig is configured as a vehicle having a plurality of laterally spaced apart wheels. A width of the gap between the respective pony substructures is substantially equal to or wider than a width of the laterally spaced apart wheels, and the workover rig is driven atop the respective platforms via the ramp and secured to the walking structure with at least one attachment mechanism. The walking structure is transported from a first location to a second location via the stompers when the workover rigs is secured to walking structure. 
     According to still another embodiment, method of servicing a plurality of oil and/or gas wells includes first providing a transportable walking structure. The transportable walking structure has a pair of pony substructures, each substructure having a frame defining a platform. A plurality of joists secures together the pair of pony substructures, and a gap is defined between the respective pony substructures by the joists. A first stomper is disposed at a first end of the frame of each pony substructure and a second stomper disposed at a second end of the frame of each pony substructure. The walking structure further includes a ramp that is temporarily securable to the first end or the second end of the respective frames of the respective pony substructures. The method continues by providing a workover rig configured as a vehicle having wheels. The ramp is secured to the pony substructures, and the workover rig is driven up the ramp to a position atop the respective platforms of the walking structure. The ramp is then detached from the pony substructures, the workover rig is secured to the walking structure, and rigged up. A first oil and/or gas well is serviced at the first location. Once the service of the first oil and/or gas well is completed, the walking structure is transported from the first location to a second location via the stompers, and the workover rig remains rigged up during transportation. A second oil and/or gas wall at the second location is subsequently serviced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing and figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a structure for moving a workover rig and a workover rig; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of a structure for moving a workover rig; 
         FIG. 3  is a back view of a structure for moving a workover rig; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a stomper with an extended horizontal hydraulic cylinder; and 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a stomper with a retracted horizontal hydraulic cylinder. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Workover rigs are oil rigs that are set up at a well site for intervening with the oil well, including inserting or pulling pipe. Typically, a workover rig is rigged up at a first well site, the job is completed, and then the rig is rigged down and moved to a second well site. The process of setting up, and subsequently deconstructing, moving, and reconstructing the workover rig at a new location is time consuming and costly. Even where the workover rig is affixed to a vehicle, the rig must be rigged down before the workover rig can move from one location to another. This is both a dangerous and time-consuming task. Further, the workover rig  200  may only be rigged up and rigged down during daylight hours, resulting in limited operation times. Accordingly, systems that allow the workover rig to be maintained in its operational configuration when moving from one well location to another would be useful. 
     Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for transporting a workover rig in its operational configuration. Broadly, the system  100  includes a superstructure  105  having two pony substructures  110  configured to selectively move a workover rig  200 . The substructures  110  define a raised platform  115  supported by a plurality parallel frames  120 . 
     The two generally parallel substructures  110  are operatively connected via one or more joists  130 . The joists  130  connect at the innermost edge of each substructure&#39;s platform  115  and may, but need not, be substantially equally spaced along the length of the superstructure  105 . In some embodiments the joists  130  are removable, and when not in use the joists  130  may be stored within the substructures  110 . The joists  130  may be secured to the platforms  115  through the use of pins, latches, hydraulic hooks, et cetera. In some embodiments, the joists  130  may be welded or otherwise permanently secured between the respective platforms  115 . 
     The joists  130  bridge a gap  112  defined between the two substructures  110 . The gap  112  is configured to allow a well head to pass both under the platforms  115  and between the two substructures  110 . Accordingly, in embodiments, the height of the platform  115  is greater than the height of the well head, and the width of the gap  112  is larger than the width of the well head. These dimensions allow the superstructure  105 , when in motion, to pass over a well head without interference. A workover rig  200  may be generally centered over the gap  112  with two wheels  205  on each substructure  110 , therefore, the width of the gap  112  must also allow for a workover rig  200  to bridge the gap  112 . The ability to pass over well heads allows the superstructure  105  to move down a line of well heads without changing direction. 
     A fluctuating gap  112  width may lead to damage to the superstructure  105  or the well heads themselves. Preferably the joists  130  are strong enough to withstand any lateral forces that may exist between the two substructures  110 . Accordingly, the joists  130  may maintain a substantially consistent gap  112  width during movement of the superstructure and operation of the workover rig  200 . 
     A pipe rack  125  may be located at one end of the superstructure to provide the workover rig  200  with access to the necessary pipes for use during operation. The pipe rack  135  may be placed such that the pipes are stored either horizontally or vertically on the superstructure  105 , and the pipe rack  135  can be refilled at any time. Further, the pipe rack  135  may be configured to carry pipes of any size. In some embodiments, the pipe rack  135  may be configured to hold 60-foot pipe, compared to the typical 30-foot length. The longer pipes may reduce the required pipe connections (and subsequent disassembles) that are required to complete the workover job for each well head nearly in half. Further, in some embodiments a pipe carousel may move the pipes from the pipe rack and provide them to the workover rig  200 . As such, a standard derrick or stabbing board of a workover rig may be omitted. Each of the above listed features allows for more efficient tasks to be completed by the workover rig  200 . 
     A pair of treads  140  may be positioned on the inside edge of platforms  115  on both pony substructures  110 . The treads  140  provide traction to the tires  205  of the workover rig  200 , and help the workover rig  200  maintain its position after setup and during operation. Further, detachable railings, stairs, and walkways may be secured to the superstructure to allow people to move around the superstructure  105 . The railings, stairs, and walkways may be removed while the superstructure  105  is in motion, but it is not required. 
     A base beam is typically used to provide stability to the workover rig  200 . The base beam is positioned at the base of and perpendicular to the workover rig  200 , and is connected to the workover rig  200  through a series of guide wires. Here, the superstructure  105  replaces the base beam to provide support to the workover rig  200 . The workover rig  200  may be secured to the superstructure  105  by a series of guidewires  145 . When placed under tension, the guide wires  145  prevent the workover rig  200  from toppling over. The wires  145  may be secured to the superstructure  105  using clamps, hooks, latches, et cetera. Locking pins, hydraulic clamps, and/or other fastening mechanisms may alternately or additionally be used for securing the workover rig  200  to the superstructure  105 ; in this way, the amount of guide wires  145  may be significantly reduced or eliminated. 
     Wings  150  may extend laterally from the platform  115  of each pony substructure  110  to act as a base beam for the rig  200 . During set up, the workover rig  200  may be secured to the superstructure  105  by extending guide wires  150  from the rig  200  to attachment apparatus at the wings  150 , providing the needed stabilization. The wings  150  provide stabilization similarly to historical base beams, and will either meet or exceed current American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. The wings  150  may be configured to be removable and stored on the superstructure  105  when not in use. Additional platform anchors on the superstructure may provide areas to further secure the workover rig, replacing the ground anchors used at a traditional job site. The combination of the wings  150  and the platform anchors positioned on the superstructure  105 , allows the workover rig  200  to be properly stabilized while only being attached to the superstructure  105 . 
     By placing all the necessary securing points on the superstructure  105 , it removes the need for the workover rig  200  to be attached to the ground, which allows the superstructure  105  to freely move without the need to rig down the workover rig  200  before moving to a new location. Additionally, the wings  150  remove the necessity for a base beam to extend through the gap  112  between the two substructures  110 , thereby limiting any obstacles that may make contact with the wellhead during movement of the superstructure  105 . The weight and size of the superstructure  105  will provide a sufficient base to absorb any forces the guide wires  145  may place on the superstructure  105 . 
     The workover rig  200  may be placed onto the superstructure  105  using a method such as a crane. Alternately, in some embodiments, a removable ramp  300  may temporarily join with the superstructure  105  at an edge of the superstructure such that the workover rig  200  may be driven into position on the superstructure  105 . The ramp  300  may have wheels  305  and a hitch to allow for a vehicle, such as a tractor, to position the ramp  300  at the superstructure  105 . The height of the ramp  300  may be configured to level off at the height of the platforms  115 , and the width of the ramp would be at least wide enough to accommodate the axle width of the workover rig  200 . In embodiments, the ramp  300  is secured to the superstructure  105  using hydraulic hooks, pins, clamps, et cetera. 
     By placing the workover rig  200  onto the back of the moving superstructure  105 , and securing the workover rig  200  to the superstructure  105 , the workover rig  200  must only be set up a single time. This eliminates the requirement to rig up and rig down before moving onto the next well head. Further, the superstructure  105  may safely move 24 hours a day, meaning that the workover rig  200  can be operated during the entirety of the daylight hours and can be moved during the night. Greatly expanding the possible number of hours of operation. 
     In order to position the workover rig  200 , the ramp  300  is first positioned at the superstructure  105  and may be secured to the superstructure  105  and/or the ground. Anchors or bearing supports may be attached to stabilize the ramp  300  while the workover rig  200  is positioned on the superstructure  105 . As noted above, the workover rig  200  may be driven up the ramp  300  and into position on the superstructure  105 . The ramp  300  is then taken away from the superstructure  105 , and the workover rig  200  is rigged up for use. A similar process would be followed to remove the workover rig  200  from the superstructure  105 . 
     In order to move and rotate the superstructure  105 , a plurality of stompers  400  are positioned at the base of the substructures  110 . Each stomper  400  includes a shoe  405 , a horizontal hydraulic cylinder  410 , a vertical hydraulic cylinder  415  operationally secured to the horizontal hydraulic cylinder  410  via an attachment  417 , and may optionally further include a hydraulic rotary actuator  420  for altering the rotational position of the stompers  400 . The plurality of stompers  400 , when working in unison, can selectively lift, move, and rotate the superstructure  105 . In addition to altering the vertical position of the superstructure  105 , the vertical hydraulic cylinders  415  may be operable to ensure that the platforms  115  stay substantially level when the superstructure  105  moves from one location to another. 
     The process of moving the superstructure  105  starts with the substructures  110  engaging the ground with the stompers  400  retracted from the ground via the vertical hydraulic cylinder  415 . Each stomper  400  is subsequently rotated towards a target direction using the hydraulic rotary actuator  415 . Each stomper  400  may generally have the same target direction although slightly different target directions for one or more stompers  400  may be required to accomplish the desired movement. Next, the horizontal hydraulic cylinders  410  are retracted to “load” the stompers  400 , or to prepare the stompers  400  to move the superstructure  105 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , in the retracted position, the attachment  417  (and therefore the vertical hydraulic cylinder  415 ) is at a first retracted position relative to the length of the stomper  400 . The vertical cylinders  415  are extended, placing the shoes  405  on the ground. The pressure in the vertical cylinders  415  is sufficient to lift the superstructure  105  off the ground. Once the superstructure  105  is completely off the ground, the horizontal hydraulic cylinders  410  extend, as shown in  FIG. 4 , “unloading” the cylinders, or moving the superstructure  405  axially along the horizontal axis of the horizontal hydraulic cylinders  410  to a second extended position. Finally, the vertical hydraulic cylinders  415  are retracted, lifting the stomper  405  off the ground, and placing the superstructure  105  back on the ground. The process can be repeated to continue movement of the superstructure  105 . To rotate the superstructure  105 , the hydraulic rotary actuators  420  may rotate the position of the stomper  400  when the stomper  400  is retracted from the ground. Because the stomper  400  moves along the horizontal axis defined by the horizontal hydraulic actuator  410 , when the stomper  400  is rotated, the superstructure  105  will move according to the rotation of the stomper  400 . 
     Typically, the stompers  400  operate in unison, however, the stompers  400  may also work independently. The independent functionality may be specifically helpful when the ground is uneven. The stompers  400  may be capable of measuring and maintaining a level platform  115  when the superstructure  105  is in motion or when the superstructure  105  is fixed. For example, in certain circumstances the ground may be so uneven that in order to maintain a level platform  115  the individual vertical hydraulic cylinders  415  on some stompers  400  may have to lift the superstructure off the ground despite not being in motion in order to level the platform  115 . 
     The stompers  400  may be operated by a hydraulic system as is known in the art. In some embodiments this system is located entirely on the superstructure  105  and, in some embodiments, can be powered by a diesel engine, an electric turbine, or any other power source now known or later developed. So, for example, a diesel engine may be incorporated into a pony substructure  110  or another portion of the superstructure  105 . Further, the stompers  400  may be remote-controlled, allowing for the operator to be a safe distance from the superstructure  105 . In some embodiments, a manual control panel may be located on the superstructure  105  alternately, or in addition to the remote control (e.g., in the event of a failure of the remote control). 
     Eventually, the superstructure  105  will move into position over a well head. The proper location of the well head with respect to the superstructure  105  will depend on the position of the workover rig  200  on the superstructure  105 . In some embodiments, the well head will be positioned at or near one end of the superstructure  105 . After reaching the intended position, the workover rig  200  will be able access the well head through the gap  112  in the pony substructures  110 . 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.