Rig structure and rig-up process
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsGustavo E. Rodriguez, Mark W. Trevithick
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A rig system includes a first base box and a second base box extending parallel to and offset from the first base box, such that an open space is defined therebetween. A rig floor is connected to the first and second base boxes and spans the open space. A mast is coupled to the rig floor. A rig-raising system is configured to raise the rig floor vertically above the ground. A combined local equipment room (LER) and drilling control room (DCR) skid is connected to the rig floor and configured to be raised with the rig floor. A reel skid is positioned at least partially vertically below the LER/DCR skid. A setback structure extends between the first and second base boxes and blocks the open space on at least one end.
Claims19
A method for assembling a drilling rig, comprising:
- positioning a first base box of a substructure and a second base box of the substructure, such that the first and second base boxes are separated apart from one another by an open space;
- connecting a rig floor between the first and second base boxes;
- connecting a mast section to the rig floor;
- after connecting the mast section to the rig floor, connecting a setback structure between the first and second base boxes and, after connecting the setback structure, lowering the mast section such that the mast section extends in a horizontal direction past the setback structure;
- raising the rig floor such that the rig floor is vertically above the ground, wherein the setback structure is not raised with the rig floor;
- and
- after lowering the mast section, connecting a remainder of a mast to the mast section.
A rig system, comprising:
- a first base box;
- a second base box extending parallel to and offset from the first base box, such that an open space is defined therebetween;
- a rig floor connected to the first and second base boxes and spanning the open space;
- a mast coupled to the rig floor;
- and
- a rig-raising system configured to raise the rig floor vertically above the ground;
- a first skid connected to the rig floor and configured to be raised with the rig floor;
- a second skid positioned at least partially vertically below the first skid;
- and
- a setback structure extending between the first and second base boxes and blocking the open space on at least one end;
- wherein a mast section is configured to lower the mast section such that the mast section extends in a horizontal direction past the setback structure after connecting the setback structure and to connect a remainder of the mast to the mast section after lowering the mast section.
A rig system, comprising:
- a first base box;
- a second base box extending parallel to and offset from the first base box, such that an open space is defined therebetween;
- a rig floor connected to the first and second base boxes and spanning the open space;
- a mast coupled to the rig floor, wherein the mast comprises a lower section and an upper section that are connected together;
- a rig-raising system configured to raise the rig floor vertically above the ground;
- a combined local equipment room (LER) and drilling control room (DCR) skid connected to the rig floor and configured to be raised with the rig floor, wherein the LER/DCR skid comprises one or more variable frequency drives and a driller's cabin;
- a reel skid positioned at least partially vertically below the LER and DCR skid, wherein the reel skid comprises one or more control cable reels, one or more power cable reels, or both, and wherein the LER and DCR skid and the reel skid extend parallel to one another;
- and
- a setback structure extending between the first and second base boxes and blocking the open space on at least one end, wherein the setback structure comprises:
- a first end section connected to the first base box;
- a second end section connected to the second base box;
- and
- a clearance panel connected to the first and second end sections, wherein the clearance panel is configured to be movable to allow for the setback structure to move past well equipment, wherein the clearance panel is removable from the first and second end sections, and wherein the setback structure comprises a top bar that is rigidly connected to the first and second end sections both when the clearance panel is attached to the first and second end sections and when the clearance panel is removed therefrom.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.