Tubular filling system

#The field of this invention relates to an apparatus for filling or circulating fluids while inserting tubulars into or removing them from a wellbore and for recovery of fluids displaced when running tubulars into the wellbore. The field of this invention also relates to an apparatus for controlling a well.

#When tubulars are being run into or pulled from a wellbore, it is often necessary to fill the tubular, take returns from the tubular or circulate fluid through the tubular. This requires that the pipe be threaded to a circulation system or the use of a device for filling or circulating a wellbore. Previous devices for filling and circulating the wellbore are firmly attached to the traveling block or top drive. In either case a very precise spacing is required of the seal assembly relative to the tubular and elevators. In the case where slip-type elevators are used, the spacing of the seal could be such that when the elevators were near the upset of the tubular, the seal could be out of the tubular. When required, the slips at the rig floor must be set on the tubular and the traveling block or top drive lowered in order to move the seal into sealing engagement with the tubular. This required that the running or pulling of the tubular stop until the slips were set at the rig floor and the seal engagement be made. This is not desirable when a well kick occurs or fluid is overflowing from the tubular.

#In the case where “side door” or latching elevators are used, the spacing of the seal system is very critical and the seal of previous devices must be engaged in the tubular prior to latching the elevators below the upset portion of the tubular. This requires that the seal be engaged in the tubular at all times that the elevators are latched on the tubular in order to facilitate circulation of fluids. When tubulars are racked back in the derrick such as multiple sections of drill pipe, it would be very time-consuming if not impossible to insert the seal into the tubular prior to latching the elevators. This is true either on automated pipe handling rigs or rigs with the top of the tubular far above the derrick man. There is a disadvantage in having the seal engaged in the tubular at all times that the elevators are latched. In these cases the top of the tubular can not be accessed as when it is necessary to place a safety valve into the upper tubular section or in, if a high-pressure line was to be attached to the tubular and the tubular moved after making the connection. All previous devices had to be “laid down” to allow a threaded connection to be made to the tubular since these devices are in the way of placing a new device into the upper tubular connection.

#FIG. 1 is an overall view of the invention connected to a top drive rig showing the general position of major components with the seal unit retracted.

#FIG. 2 is an overall view of the invention connected to a top drive rig showing the general position of major components with the seal unit extended and sealing on a tubular positioned in the elevators.

#FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view of one embodiment employing a telescoping feature, a built-in mudsaver valve for preventing mud spilling and a drain connection.

#Referring now to FIG. 1, the invention (7) is shown connected to a top drive (2) which is hoisted by a traveling block (1). A mud line (3) is connected to the top drive and is connected to the mud system (not shown). A tubular (6) is shown being supported by an elevator (5) that is connected to the top drive by bails (4A and 4B). The tool (7) is shown in the retracted position with the seal unit (9) above the tubular (6). In this position it is easily understood that tubulars can be handled in a normal way. A single control line (8) is shown connected to the invention. A drain valve (10) is illustrated at the lower end of the extendable seal unit. A hose (10A) is shown attached to the drain valve (10). The operation of all of these elements will be explained in detail later.

#Referring now to FIG. 2, the invention (7) is shown with the seal unit (9) extended and sealing on the tubular (6). In this position fluid can be pumped into or taken from the tubular through the top drive (2) and flow line (3) or the drain valve (10) and hose (10A).

#Referring now FIG. 3, the tool (7) is shown with a mandrel (12) and removable outer components (14). The outer assembly is a telescoping unit with a lower seal. The position of the entire unit can be varied with respect to mandrel (12). The preferred drive is hydraulic with a single inlet (8) for applying or removing fluid pressure to actuate the telescoping assembly against a pressure source of a spring. A mudsaver valve (13) is shown inside the mandrel (12). The seal unit (9) is shown in the retracted position with the drain valve (10) attached to the extendable seal unit (9). The operation of the elements will be explained later.