Top drive interlock
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorDoyle F. Boutwell, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for improving top drive operations. A method of ensuring safe operation of a top drive includes operating a top drive, thereby exerting torque on a first tubular to makeup or breakout a first threaded connection between the first tubular and a second tubular. The method further includes monitoring for break-out of a second connection between a quill of the top drive and the first tubular; and stopping operation of the top drive and/or notifying an operator of the top drive if break-out of the second connection is detected.
Claims23
A method of ensuring safe operation of a top drive, comprising:
- operating a top drive, thereby exerting torque on a first tubular to makeup or break-out a first threaded connection between the first tubular and a second tubular;
- during operation of the top drive, monitoring for break-out of a second threaded connection between a quill of the top drive and the first tubular;
- and
- stopping operation of the top drive and/or notifying an operator of the top drive if break-out of the second connection is detected.
A method of ensuring safe operation of a top drive, comprising:
- operating a top drive, thereby rotating a quill of the top drive, wherein:
- the quill of the top drive is connected to a torque head or a spear,
- hydraulic communication between the torque head or spear and a hydraulic pump is provided by a swivel, and
- a bearing is disposed between a housing and a shaft of the swivel,
- determining acceptability of operation of the bearing by monitoring a torque exerted on the swivel housing by the bearing;
- and
- stopping operation of the top drive and/or notifying an operator of the top drive if the bearing operation is unacceptable.
A torque head or spear for use with a top drive, comprising:
- a body;
- a gripping mechanism operably connected to the body for longitudinally and rotationally gripping a tubular;
- a shaft connected to the body and having a threaded end for connection with a quill of the top drive;
- a strain gage disposed on the shaft and operable to indicate torque exerted on the shaft by the quill;
- and
- a computer configured to perform an operation, comprising:
- during operation of the top drive, monitoring for break-out of the connection;
- and
- stopping operation of the top drive and/or notifying an operator of the top drive if break-out of the connection is detected.
A torque head or spear for use with a top drive, comprising:
- a body;
- a gripping mechanism operably connected to the body for longitudinally and rotationally gripping a tubular;
- and
- a swivel, comprising
- a housing having a bracket for coupling the housing to a railing system of a drilling rig;
- a shaft disposed in the housing, and connected to the body, and having a threaded end for connection with a quill of the top drive;
- a bearing disposed between the shaft and the housing;
- and
- a strain gage disposed on the housing and operable to indicate torque exerted on the housing by the bearing;
- and
- a computer configured to perform an operation, comprising:
- determining acceptability of operation of the bearing by monitoring the torque exerted on the swivel housing by the bearing;
- and
- stopping operation of the top drive and/or notifying an operator of the top drive if the bearing operation is unacceptable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.