Tubular transfer system and method
AssigneeForum US, Inc.
InventorsRogelio Rios, Robert Arlen Holifield, Robert Dugal, Justin Wayne Triplett
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tubular transfer system comprising a boom structure having a first frame telescopically coupled to a second frame. A first actuator is configured to extend and retract the first frame relative to the second frame. A clamp mechanism is coupled to the first frame and configured to grip and lift a tubular. A second actuator is configured to raise and lower the clamp mechanism relative to the first frame.
Claims12
A method of transferring a tubular from a stored location to a well center of an oil and gas rig using a tubular transfer system, comprising:
- moving the tubular from the stored location to a position near the tubular transfer system using a single joint elevator of an offline activity crane;
- actuating a boom structure of the tubular transfer system comprising an outer frame, an inner frame disposed within and telescopically coupled to the outer frame, and a clamp mechanism coupled to the inner frame, wherein the inner frame is movable relative to the outer frame along a horizontal direction by a first actuator, wherein the clamp mechanism is moveable relative to the inner frame along a vertical direction by a second actuator;
- extending the clamp mechanism along the horizontal direction by actuating the first actuator to telescopically move the inner frame relative to the outer frame to a position where the tubular is centered within the clamp mechanism;
- actuating the clamp mechanism of the tubular transfer system to grip and lift the tubular to relieve the weight of the tubular from the single joint elevator;
- raising the clamp mechanism along a vertical direction by actuating the second actuator to move the tubular to a position for engagement with a top drive elevator;
- and
- automatically releasing the tubular from the clamp mechanism when the tubular is lifted from the clamp mechanism by the top drive elevator.
A method of transferring a tubular from a well center to a stored location of an oil and gas rig using a tubular transfer system, comprising:
- moving the tubular from the well center to a position near the tubular transfer system;
- actuating a boom structure of the tubular transfer system comprising an outer frame, an inner frame disposed within and telescopically coupled to the outer frame, and a clamp mechanism coupled to the inner frame, wherein the inner frame is movable relative to the outer frame along a horizontal direction by a first actuator, wherein the clamp mechanism is moveable relative to the inner frame along a vertical direction by a second actuator;
- extending the clamp mechanism along the horizontal direction by actuating the first actuator to telescopically move the inner frame outward relative to the outer frame to a position where the tubular is centered within the clamp mechanism;
- actuating the clamp mechanism of the tubular transfer system to grip and lift the tubular to relieve the weight of the tubular from the top drive elevator;
- retracting the clamp mechanism along the horizontal direction by actuating the first actuator to telescopically move the inner frame inward relative to the outer frame;
- lowering the clamp mechanism along the vertical direction by actuating the second actuator to move the tubular to a position for engagement with a single joint elevator of an offline activity crane;
- and
- automatically releasing the tubular from the clamp mechanism when the tubular is lifted from the clamp mechanism by the single joint elevator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.