Automated bit handling and changing system and process
AssigneeSandvik Mining and Construction USA, LLC
InventorsNellaiappan SUBBIAH, Decker LINDNER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for supporting a table bushing of a drill rig during a drill-bit changing operation is provided. The system includes a bushing support bracket mounted to a breakout wrench and having support arms arranged to engage the table bushing as a drill string is raised. The support arms are arranged to support the table bushing away from a deck opening and hold the table bushing in an elevated supported position while a drill bit is removed from or installed onto the drill string.
Claims19
A table-bushing support apparatus for use in a drill bit handling and changing system, the apparatus comprising:
- a bushing support bracket mounted to a breakout wrench of a drill rig, the bushing support bracket having a base plate arranged to be secured to a platform on an upper surface of the breakout wrench;
- and
- a pair of support arms extending from the base plate and arranged to capture, lift, and support a table bushing of a drill string, the support arms each including a guiding surface angled relative to the base plate and a tapered front end configured to interact with the table bushing, wherein the support arms are spaced apart by a distance sized to receive the table bushing, and wherein the bushing support bracket is configured to hold the table bushing upward from a deck wrench of the drill rig and support the table bushing during a drill-bit changing operation.
A method of supporting a table bushing during a drill-bit changing operation of a drill rig, the method comprising:
- providing a bushing support bracket mounted to a breakout wrench, the bushing support bracket including a base plate and a pair of support arms extending from the base plate;
- raising a drill string such that a table bushing engages the tapered front ends of the support arms;
- holding the table bushing upward from a deck wrench using the support arms;
- positioning the breakout wrench beneath the table bushing while the support arms support the table bushing;
- and
- performing a drill-bit changing operation while the table bushing remains supported by the bushing support bracket.
A table-bushing support system for a drill rig, the system comprising:
- a bushing support bracket mounted to a breakout wrench of the drill rig;
- and
- a pair of support arms of the bushing support bracket being configured to engage a table bushing carried on a drill string, wherein the support arms are arranged to hold and support the table bushing away from a deck opening of the drill rig as the drill string is raised, and wherein the bushing support bracket is further configured to hold the table bushing in a supported position during a drill-bit changing operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.