US 2014/0209322 A1 · TORQUE WRENCH SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE TORQUE STATIONS

Abstract

An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.

Claims17

Dependent claims

1-22. (canceled)

A method of breaking out a riser string, comprising the following steps:

(a) providing a plurality of torque stations, each torque station including:
(i) a wrench body that includes
first and second end portions, and
a drive head
on the first end portion of the body;
(ii) a torque wrench
operatively connected to the drive head
for turning the drive head a driving rotational speed;
(iii) a horizontal positioning mechanism
for moving the drive head in a generally horizontal direction;
and
(iv) a vertical positioning mechanism
for moving the drive head in a generally vertical direction,
wherein when the drive head is engaged with a threaded bolt or nut member,
the vertical positioning mechanism
can vertically position the drive head
independent from operation of the torque wrench;
(b) providing a controller
that controls the plurality of torque stations, including
the torque wrenches,
the horizontal positioning mechanisms, and
the vertical positioning mechanisms;
(c) supporting a riser string on a drilling rig or platform,
the riser string including
a plurality of joints of riser sections,
wherein the riser joint sections are
threadably connected together with a plurality of riser threaded bolt members;
(d) the controller causing the plurality of drive heads
to each engage one of the plurality of riser threaded bolt members
on one of the plurality of riser joint sections;
(e) the controller causing each of the drive heads
to break out their respectively engaged riser threaded bolt member;
(f) causing the plurality of drive heads
to spin up their respectively engaged riser threaded bolt members,
wherein, during the spin up process,
the respective torque wrenches turning their respective drive heads;
(g) the controller causing the plurality of drive heads
to disengage the plurality of riser threaded bolt members, and
providing clearance for another one of the plurality of riser joint sections to be broken out of the riser string;
(h) removing and retrieving the riser joint section of the riser string;
and
(i) raising the riser string a distance
so that another one of the plurality of riser joint sections
can be broken out, removed, and retrieved.

41 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Torque wrench system having multiple torque stations

Life of this patent

Torque wrench system having multiple torque stations

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17