Patent Publication Number: US-11643885-B2

Title: Tubular gripping apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a tubular gripping apparatus. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a tubular gripping apparatus, such as a spider, having a shield for protecting the slips. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The handling and supporting of tubular pipe strings has traditionally been performed with the aid of wedge shaped members known as slips. In some instances, these members operate in a tubular gripping apparatus, such as an elevator or a spider. Typically, an elevator or a spider includes a plurality of slips circumferentially surrounding the exterior of the pipe string. The slips are disposed in a housing. The inner sides of the slips usually carry teeth formed on hard metal dies for engaging the pipe string. The exterior surface of the slips and the interior surface of the housing have opposing engaging surfaces which are inclined and downwardly converging. The inclined surfaces allow the slip to move vertically and radially relative to the housing. In effect, the inclined surfaces serve as wedging surfaces for engaging the slip with the pipe. Thus, when the weight of the pipe is transferred to the slips, the slips will move downward with respect to the housing. As the slips move downward along the inclined surfaces, the inclined surfaces urge the slips to move radially inward to engage the pipe. In this respect, this feature of the spider is referred to as “self tightening/wedging effect.” Further, the slips are designed to prohibit release of the pipe string until the pipe load is supported and lifted by another device. 
     In the makeup or breakup of pipe strings, the spider is typically used for securing the pipe string in the wellbore at a rig floor. Additionally, an elevator suspended from a rig hook includes a separately operable set of slips and is used in tandem with the spider. The elevator may include a self-tightening feature similar to the one in the spider. In operation, the spider holds the tubular string at an axial position while the elevator positions a new pipe section above the pipe string for connection. It is common to install centralizers on the pipe string to help centralize once the pipe string is in the wellbore. After completing the connection, the elevator pulls up on and bears the weight of the string thereby releasing the pipe string from the slips of the spider there below. The elevator then lowers the pipe string into the wellbore. Before the pipe string is released from the elevator, the slips of the spider are allowed to engage the pipe string again to support the pipe string. After the weight of the pipe string is switched back to the spider, the elevator releases the pipe string and continues the makeup or break out process for the next joint. 
     As the tubular string is run-in to the wellbore, the pipe string or the centralizers on the pipe string may contact the slips even though the slips are retracted. In some instances, the contact between the pipe string and the slips causes damage to the pipe string, the slips, or both. 
     There is a need, therefore, for apparatus and methods of protecting these components during a tubular running operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one embodiment, a tubular gripping apparatus includes a housing having a bore and a plurality of gripping members movable between a gripping position and a release position. The apparatus may also include a shield having a tubular inner body movable relative to an outer body. The tubular inner body is movable between a retracted position, in which the tubular inner body is positioned above the plurality of gripping members, and an extended position, in which the inner body is at least partially positioned interiorly of the plurality of gripping members. 
     In another embodiment, a method of running a tubular using a tubular gripping apparatus includes moving a plurality of gripping members of the tubular gripping apparatus to a release position. The tubular gripping apparatus has a shield having an inner body movable relative to an outer body. The method also includes lowering the inner body to an extended position interior of the plurality of gripping members in the release position and lowering the tubular into the tubular gripping apparatus. The method further includes raising the inner body to a retracted position above the plurality of gripping members and moving the plurality of gripping members to a gripping position to retain the tubular in the tubular gripping apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG.  1    is an isometric view of an exemplary spider, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the spider of  FIG.  1    in which the slips are in the closed position. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a top view of the spider of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 B  is a bottom view of the spider of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 C  is a top view of the leveling ring in the spider of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the spider of  FIG.  1    in which the slips are in the open position. 
         FIGS.  5  and  6    are different views of an exemplary shield suitable for use with the spider of  FIG.  1   . The shield is shown in a retracted position.  FIG.  5 A  is a top view of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    are different views of an exemplary shield suitable for use with the spider of  FIG.  1   . The shield is shown in an extended position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an exemplary tubular gripping apparatus, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the tubular gripping apparatus is a spider  100  suitable for use with a rotary table (not shown). Alternatively, the spider  100  may be fitted for use with an elevator or a top drive casing make up system.  FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the spider  100  of  FIG.  1    in which the slips are closed.  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are top and bottom views, respectively, of the spider  100  of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the spider  100  of  FIG.  1    in which the slips are open. 
     The spider  100  includes a housing  25  for housing one or more gripping members, such as slips  20 , a cover assembly  15 , and a shield  110 . The housing  25  of the spider  100  is formed by pivotally coupling two sections  25   a,b  using one or more connectors, preferably hinges  35  formed on both sides of each body section, to couple the two body sections together. The housing  25  includes a bore extending therethrough. Alternatively, the housing sections  25   a,b  may be hinged on one side and selectively locked together on the other side. A hole is formed through each hinge  35  to accommodate a pin  40  to couple the housing sections  25   a,b  together. 
     In one embodiment, the slips  20  are attached to a carrier  24 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . The carrier  24  is movable in a groove  26  formed in the housing  25 , as shown in  FIG.  3 B . For example, the back of the slips  20  is attached to the interior surface of the carrier  24 . The exterior surface of the carrier  24  has an inclined surface that is complementary to the inclined surface  27  of the housing  25 . In one embodiment, the carrier  24  may include a guide member for guiding movement of the slip  20  relative to the housing  25 . For example, the carrier  24  can include an inclined shoulder  37  (shown in  FIGS.  3 B and  3 C ) formed on the exterior of each side wall of the carrier  24 , and the housing  25  can include side plates  57 , shown in  FIGS.  3 C and  4   . The inclined shoulder  37  engages the lower end of the side plates  57  and moves along the side plates  57  as the slips  20  are moved relative to the housing  25 . In this manner, the guide member may maintain the path of a moving slip  20  along the inclined surface  27  of the housing  25 . Alternatively, the carrier  24  and/or slip  20  can be coupled to the housing  25  using a pin and a guide slot connection. In another embodiment, the carrier  24  may be coupled to the housing  25  using a dovetail connection. Because the carrier  24  engages the housing  25 , the carrier  24  allows the slips  20  to be exchanged more easily in response to changes in pipe sizes or damage to the slips  20 . It is contemplated use of the carrier  24  can be optional in the embodiments described herein such that the back of the slips  20  has the inclined surface for engaging the inclined surface of the housing  25 . Dies  28  having teeth may be disposed on the interior surface of the slips  20  for engaging the tubular.  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  show eight slips  20  coupled to the body sections  25   a,b  of the spider  100 . It contemplated the spider  100  may have a total of two or more slips  20 , such as four, six, eight, ten, or twelve slips  20 . 
     The spider  100  includes a leveling ring  55  for coupling the slips  20  together and synchronizing their vertical movement. The leveling ring  55  may include two sections coupled together. Each ring section is coupled to one of the housing sections  25   a,b  such that the leveling ring  55  can open and close with the housing  25 . The slips  20  are pivotally coupled to a lower portion of the leveling ring  55 . In some embodiments, a pivot arm  70  is connected between the leveling ring  55  and the carrier  24 . The leveling ring  55  and the carrier  24  are pivotally connected to opposite ends of the pivot arm  70 . Examples of the pivot arm  70  include a straight arm, an “L” shape arm, or other suitable configuration. The pivot arm  70  allows the carrier  24  and the slips  20  to move radially outward and upward along the inclined surface  27  of the housing  25  as the leveling ring  55  moves upward relative to the housing  25 . It is contemplated the slips  20  can be coupled to the pivot arm  70  such that use of the carrier  24  is optional. 
     A plurality of cylinders  72  are used to move the leveling ring  55  vertically relative to the housing  25 . As shown in  FIG.  3 B , three cylinders  72  are coupled to each section of the leveling ring  55 . Although any suitable number of cylinders  72  may be used, such as one, two, four, five, or more. The cylinder  72  is attached to the lower portion of the housing  25 , and the upper end of its piston rod  71  is attached to the leveling ring  55 . In some embodiments, an optional ring connector  64  is used to couple the leveling ring  55  to the piston rod  71 . In one example, the ring connector  64  includes side flanges  67  attached to the leveling ring  55  and a tubular body  66  disposed around the piston rod  71 .  FIG.  2    shows the piston rod  71  retracted in the cylinder  72 , and the leveling ring  55  in a lower position. In this position, the slips  20  are in a gripping position, also referred to as a closed position. Extension of the piston rod  71  will move the leveling ring  55  to an upper position. In turn, the slips  20  are moved upward and radially outward along the inclined surface  27  of the housing  25  to a release position, also referred to as an open position. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are used to detect the position of the slips  20 . For example, a weight sensor  80  can be installed on the inclined surface  27  of the housing  25 . The weight sensor  80  is configured to detect a contact member  82  that is biased by a spring. The contact member  82  is depressed by a slip  20  as the slip  20  travels down the inclined surface  27  of the housing  25 . When depressed, the contact member  82  can be detected by the weight sensor  80 . In turn, the weight sensor  80  will send a signal indicating the slips  20  are in the closed position. An exemplary weight sensor is a proximity sensor configured to detect the contact member such as a Namur proximity sensor. Another example of a weight sensor is a hydraulic sensor such as a cam valve sensor. 
     The cover assembly  15  includes two separate sections, each attached above a respective housing section  25   a,b . The sectioned cover assembly  15  allows the housing sections  25   a,b  of the spider  10  to open and close without removing the cover assembly  15 . The sections of the cover assembly  15  form a hole to accommodate the pipe string and the centralizers. 
     In some embodiments, the spider  100  includes a shield for protecting the slips  20 .  FIGS.  5 - 8    show an exemplary embodiment of the shield  110 . The shield  110  includes an inner tubular body  120  disposed in an outer body  130  and movably coupled to the outer tubular body  130 .  FIGS.  5  and  6    are different views of the inner body  120  in a retracted position relative to the outer body  130 .  FIG.  5 A  is a top view of  FIG.  5   .  FIGS.  7  and  8    are different views of the inner body  120  in an extended position relative to the outer body  130 . The shield  110  is disposed inside the spider  100  and the bore of the shield  110  is preferably concentric with the bore in the spider  100 . The outer body  130  includes a flange  131  for attachment to the spider  100 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the flange  131  is attached to the cover assembly  15  of the spider  100 . In some embodiments, each of the inner body  120  and the outer body  130  includes two sections that are coupled together to form the tubular shaped bodies  120 ,  130 . Each section of the bodies  120 ,  130  are attached to a respective section of the cover assembly  15  and can open and close with the spider  100 . 
     The shield  110  includes two cylinders  140  for moving the inner body  120  axially relative to the outer body  130 . As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the cylinders  140  are attached to the flange  131 . The piston rod  141  of the cylinders  140  is attached to a lower portion of the inner body  120  and below the outer body  130 . Each piston rod  141  is attached to one section of the inner body  120 . Although two cylinders  140  are shown, it is contemplated one or more cylinders  140  may be used, such as one, three, four, five, or six cylinders. The cylinders  140  may be actuated using hydraulics, pneumatics, or electric. The piston rod  141  and the inner body  120  are shown in the retracted position. In this position, the inner body  120  is retracted above the slips  20 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . Extension of the piston rod  141  will lower the inner body  120  to the extended position, as shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   . In the extended position, the inner body  120  will be at least partially positioned inside the plurality of slips  20 .  FIG.  4    shows the inner body  120  in the extended position, and the slips  20  are disposed around the exterior of the inner body  120 . In this manner, the inner body  120  can protect the slips  20  from contact with the tubular string or other tools being run into or out of the wellbore. The extended inner body  120  of the shield  110  is configured to extend into overlapping position with at least a majority portion of the length of the slips  20 , such as seventy percent, eighty percent, or ninety percent or more of the length of the slips  20 . In one embodiment, the inner body  120  protects the entire length of the slips  20 . It is contemplated that other suitable actuators for moving the inner body  120  may be used, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism. 
     A plurality of guide bearings  150  are provided between the inner body  120  and the outer body  130  to facilitate movement of the inner body  120 . In some embodiments, the guide bearings  150  are longitudinal rectangular bars attached to the exterior of the inner body  120 . Each guide bearing  150  is movable in a channel  153  formed on the interior surface of the outer body  130 . As shown, two guide bearings  150  are attached to each section of the inner body  120 . It is noted that any suitable number of guide bearings  150  may be used, such as one, three, four, or five guide bearings. Also, it is contemplated that one or more of the guide bearings  150  may be attached to the interior of the outer body  130 , and the respective channels  153  may be formed on the exterior surface of the inner body  120 . Stop members  155  may be attached to the housing  25  to limit the downward movement of the inner body  120 . The stop members  155  may engage the lower end of the guide bearings  150  and act as a lower limit for the guide bearings  150 . Although each guide bearing  150  is shown with a respective stop member  155 , it is contemplated the number of stop members  155  may be less than the number of guide bearings  150 , such as one, two, or three stop members  155 . 
     The shield  110  may include one or more sensors  161 ,  162  for indicating the position of the inner body  120  relative to the outer body  130 . A first sensor  161  is used to indicate the inner body  120  is in the retracted position, and a second sensor  162  is used to indicate the inner body  130  is in the extended position. For example, the first sensor  161  can be attached to the flange  131 , and the second sensor  162  can be attached to the lower portion of the outer body  130 . In some embodiments, the sensors  161 ,  162  may be used to control movement of the inner body  120 , such as stopping the inner body  120 . Exemplary sensors  161 ,  162  may be proximity sensors selected from capacitive, inductive, photoelectric, magnetic, or ultrasonic type proximity sensors. In one example, the sensors  161 ,  162  are NAMUR proximity sensors. In some embodiments, suitable hydraulic sensors such as cam valve sensors can be used. The sensors  161 ,  162  are configured to detect a target  163 , shown in  FIG.  6   , disposed on the inner body  120 . The target  163  can move in a target slot  165 , shown in  FIG.  7   , formed on the interior surface of the outer body  130 . The target  163  is positioned on the inner body  120  such that it can be read by the first sensor  161  when the inner body  120  has reached the retracted position and by the second sensor  162  when the inner body  120  has reached the extended position. 
     In operation, an exemplary spider  100  equipped with a shield  110  may be used in a tubular running operation involving making up or breaking out one or more tubulars.  FIG.  2    shows the slips  20  of the spider  100  in the closed position. In this position, the spider  100  is gripping a tubular string  101  in the wellbore. The weight sensor  80  is activated to indicate the slips  20  are in the closed position. The inner body  120  of the shield  110  is in the retracted position, in which the inner body  120  is raised above the slips  20 . 
     A top drive casing make up tool may be used to make up a new joint of tubular to the tubular string  101 . The casing make up tool may grab a new tubular joint and connect the tubular joint to the tubular string  101 . After making up the tubulars and with the casing make up tool still retaining the new joint, a signal can be sent to open the slips  120 . The slip cylinder  72  is activated to extend the piston rod  71  and raise the leveling ring  55 . Upward movement of the leveling ring  55  causes the slips  20  to move upward and radially outward along the inclined surface  27  of the housing  25  toward the release position. After the slips  20  move up the inclined surface  27 , the spring biases the contact member  82  outward, which indicates the slips  20  are no longer in the closed position. It is noted the leveling ring  55 , optionally, has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the outer body  130  so that the leveling ring  55  can be positioned around the outer body  130 . 
     A signal is sent to activate the shield  110 . The piston rods  141  attached to the inner body  120  are extended to lower the inner body  120 . The inner body  120  is lowered to a position inside of the surrounding slips  20 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the inner body  120  has been extended downward to fully protect the slips  20  from contact with the tubular string  101 . The slips  20  are positioned around the exterior of the inner body  120  and protected from contact with the tubular string  101  and the centralizers. When the inner body  120  reaches the extended position, the second sensor  162  will detect the target  163  on the inner body  120 . In turn, the second proximity sensors  162  will send a signal indicating the inner body  120  has reached the extended position. In this position, the lower end of the guide bearings  150  may engage the stop members  155 . See  FIGS.  7  and  8   . 
     The top drive casing make up tool is now allowed to lower the extended tubular string  101  through the spider  100 . The shield  110  will prevent the tubular string  101  and any centralizers on the tubular string  101  from contacting the slips  20 . 
     After lowering the tubular string  101 , the shield  110  is deactivated by retracting the inner body  120 . The inner body  120  is raise until the upper, first sensor  161  detects the target  163  on the inner body  120 . See  FIGS.  5  and  6   . 
     Thereafter, a signal is sent to activate the slips  20 . The slips  20  are moved downwardly and radially inward along the inclined surface  27  toward the tubular string  101 . In the closed position, the slips  20  will grip the tubular string  101  and retains its weight. The slips  20  will also depress the contact member  82 , thereby causing the weight sensor  80  to send a signal indicating the slips  20  are in the closed position. The casing make up tool can now release the tubular string  101  and used to bring the next tubular joint to be added to the tubular string  101 . 
     In one embodiment, a tubular gripping apparatus includes a housing having a bore and a plurality of gripping members movable between a gripping position and a release position. The apparatus may also include a shield having a tubular inner body movable relative to an outer body. The tubular inner body is movable between a retracted position, in which the tubular inner body is positioned above the plurality of gripping members, and an extended position, in which the inner body is at least partially positioned interiorly of the plurality of gripping members. 
     In some embodiments, the tubular inner body is in the retracted position, the plurality of gripping members are in the gripping position. 
     In some embodiments, when the tubular inner body is in the extended position, the plurality of gripping members are in the release position. 
     In some embodiments, the shield includes a first sensor for detecting the inner body in the retracted position and a second sensor for detecting the inner body in the extended position. 
     In some embodiments, the shield includes a guide bearing disposed between the tubular inner body and the outer body. 
     In some embodiments, the shield includes a stop member for limiting downward movement of the guide bearing. 
     In some embodiments, the outer body includes a flange for attaching to a cover assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the tubular gripping apparatus includes a weight sensor for detecting the plurality of gripping members in the gripping position. 
     In some embodiments, the tubular gripping apparatus includes a leveling ring for moving the plurality of gripping members. 
     In some embodiments, the leveling ring has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the outer body. 
     In some embodiments, the tubular gripping apparatus includes a cylinder for moving the plurality of gripping members, wherein the cylinder is attached to a lower end of the housing, and a piston rod of the cylinder is extended to move the plurality of gripping members to the release position. 
     In another embodiment, a method of running a tubular using a tubular gripping apparatus includes moving a plurality of gripping members of the tubular gripping apparatus to a release position. The tubular gripping apparatus has a shield having an inner body movable relative to an outer body. The method also includes lowering the inner body to an extended position interior of the plurality of gripping members in the release position and lowering the tubular into the tubular gripping apparatus. The method further includes raising the inner body to a retracted position above the plurality of gripping members and moving the plurality of gripping members to a gripping position to retain the tubular in the tubular gripping apparatus. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes using a first sensor of the shield to detect the inner body is in the retracted position. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes using a second sensor of the shield to detect the inner body is in the extended position. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes moving a guide bearing of the tubular inner body along the outer body. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes engaging a lower end of the guide bearing with a stop member. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes using a weight sensor to detect the plurality of gripping members in the gripping position. 
     In some embodiments, moving the plurality of gripping members includes moving a leveling ring axially relative to the inner body. 
     In some embodiments, the leveling ring has an inner diameter that is larger than outer diameter of the outer body. 
     In some embodiments, moving the leveling ring axially includes actuating a cylinder, wherein the cylinder is attached to a lower end of the housing, and a piston rod of the cylinder is extended to move the leveling ring upward relative to the inner body. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.