CA1183518A - Pipe handling machine - Google Patents
Pipe handling machineInfo
- Publication number
- CA1183518A CA1183518A CA000398365A CA398365A CA1183518A CA 1183518 A CA1183518 A CA 1183518A CA 000398365 A CA000398365 A CA 000398365A CA 398365 A CA398365 A CA 398365A CA 1183518 A CA1183518 A CA 1183518A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trough
- pipe
- stationary
- moving
- movable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
- E21B19/04—Hooks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/14—Racks, ramps, troughs or bins, for holding the lengths of rod singly or connected; Handling between storage place and borehole
- E21B19/15—Racking of rods in horizontal position; Handling between horizontal and vertical position
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for transferring pipe between pipe racks and the drilling rig floor including a stationary trough located below and extending towards the drilling rig and a movable, inclined trough aligned with the stationary trough having one end supported on the drilling floor and the other end powered to move between d lower position for transferring pipe to and from the stationary trough and an upper position for transferring pipe to and from the drilling floor. Two pair of racking legs extending between the pipe racks and the fixed trough are provided. Each leg has a cradling lug which moves up and down the leg powered by a hydraulic cylinder, thereby lifting the pipe along the leg. Further, each leg is able to pivot in two directions about a pivoting structure. The pipe when moving in the troughs is held at one end by a shovel member which is engageable by the buggy which travels along the stationary trough and is also engageable by the carriage in the inclined trough. The carriage in the inclined trough may comprise either a chain driven carriage having a latch portion engageable with a latch portion of the shovel member or may comprise two pair of arms which close around the shovel member and subsequently move the shovel member, and thus the pipe, along the inclined trough.
Two pair of dumping arms are positioned beneath the fixed trough at a location adjacent the racking arms. These arms powered by fluid actuated cylinders pivot about a point on the stationary trough so that their outer end extends through openings in the stationary trough thereby engaging a pipe and moving the pipe out of the stationary trough to the racking arms. An operator's station is pivotally mounted on top of the stationary trough.
Two pair of dumping arms are positioned beneath the fixed trough at a location adjacent the racking arms. These arms powered by fluid actuated cylinders pivot about a point on the stationary trough so that their outer end extends through openings in the stationary trough thereby engaging a pipe and moving the pipe out of the stationary trough to the racking arms. An operator's station is pivotally mounted on top of the stationary trough.
Description
.. ~ 3~
Back round of the Invention g _ __ Thi~ invention relates to a machin~ for handling pipe ~nd ~imilar tubular goods between a drill~ing rig and a pipe rack. It relates more particularly to a pipe handling machine adapted for u~e at onshore locations a3 well as to a machine that can be easily disassembled, transported between drilling rig site6, and reassembled at the new site.
In the prior art there are various methods and devices for lifting and moving pipe to and from pipe racks and an elevated drilling xig floor. One of such methods simply attaches a wire cable to the pipe and then the cable is lifted by a hydraulic winch which is typically mounted on the truck parked near the rig. Cranes and hydraulic driven chains have al~o been used to lift and move the pipe. These methods have proven to be very slow and thus very costly.
They also have required additional personnel to handle the pipe at both the drilling rig site and at the pipe rack. A~
the pipe was transferred it could become unattached Erom the pipe lifting structure or more commonly could swing about thereby injuring personnel, or damaging the pipe or adjacent structure.
More recently machines have been built which have reduced these problems. However, these machines have also proven to be slow and cumbersome, as well as proven to be unsafe.
~3~
Machines have been built in the past which included a fixed trough, dPvices for moving pipe from the pipe rack to tha~ ~rough, a moving means for moving the pipe from the fixed ~rough to a movable trough, and means for removing the pipe from the movable trough to the drilling rig floor~
But, as ha~ been previously discussed, these machine~ have proven to be cumbersome and slow.
Additionally, a pair of pipe racking arms positioned on either side o~ the stationary trough have been used. A
length of chain is reeved about appropriate sprocket~ connecting pipe cradling lugs on legs on opposing sides of the ~tation-ary trough. A similar chain and lug assembly was provided on the other opposing pair of arms. A heavy and expensive motor and a large, single shaft drive apparatus were employed to turn the sprockets. Thus, aQ the shaft turned, both the cradling lugs on one side of the stationary trough would be moving upwardly while the opposing lugs on the other side of the trough would be moving in a downward direction. This often proved to be unnecessary and unsafe since only the arms of one side of the trough or the other were being used at any one time.
To move the pipe ~rom the stationary trough to the racking arms a dump trough system has been used. This system employed a tiltable segmen-t of trough tilted by two pair of hydraulic cylinders positioned at either ends thereof.
This system proved to be very fragile because the pivot point for the dump trough portion wa~ at one end of the hydraulic cylinder, and because the hydraulic cylinders had to lift an entire trough section as well as the pipe.
~35~3 The operator's station in prior machines was a separate unit connected by appropriate control lines. This unit was difflcult to lift onto a transporting vehicle when being moved between drilling rig sites and would have to be lifted separately from the troughs.
Another problem present in prior art machines was that no suitable method had been developed for moving the pipe between the fixed trough and the inclined trough and then from the inclined trough to the drilling rig floor. Some past devices even required personnel to be positioned ad~acent to the mo-~able trough to hook the pipe to suitable lifting means. This, of course, proved to be slow, co~tly and dangerous. Mechanical devices used to move the pipe were slow and often mechanically complicated. They also would bang the pipe about damaging the pin ends thereof or the pipe handling apparatus's drive chains.
Obiects_of_the Invention Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved machine or transferring pipe betw,een a pipe rack arld the floor of a drilling rig, and conversely during other sequences in the drilling operation to transfer pipe from the drillinq floor to the pipe rack.
35~
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for transEerring pipe to and from the floor of a drilllng rig comprising:
a stationary trough means for receiving and supporting pipe adapted to be located below the level of the floor of the drilling rig with one end extending toward said rig and located in proximity to said rig, a support means located at said one end of said stationary trough means, a movable trough means for receiving and supporting pipe aligned with said stationary trough means and having a first end coupled to said support means for generally vertical movement between a lower position and an upper position and having an opposite end adjacent said rig, said lower position being adjacent to said one end of said stationary trough means to permit the transfer of pipe between said movable and said stationary trough means, and said upper position being generally above and substanti.ally spaced from said one end of said stationary trough means, a power means at said support means for moving said first end of said movable trough means between said lower and upper positions, a first moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said stationary trough means to said one end and onto said movable trough means when said first end of said movable trough means is in said lower position and for allowing pipe to move down from said movable trough mean.s when sa.id movable trough means is in said lower position and into and along said sta~ionary trough means, a second moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said movable trough means between said first end when said movable trough means is in said lower position and said second end when in said upper position, and a holding means for holding pipe as it is moved by said first and second moving means and transferred between said first and second moving means.
-- 4 -- .
~3~
Other ohjects and advantaqes of the present invention will becorne more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embody-ing the present invention in use at a drilling rig ~ite.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 1.
Fiyure 3 is a side elevational view of the stationary trough of Figure 2; the forward end of the movable trough is shown in phantom lines in its lower position.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the tilting arms of the stationary trough or Figure l; one pair of tilting arms is shown in phantom lines in its raised or tilted position and the racking arms are shown in phantom lines in their down po~ition.
Figure 5 is a fragmen-tary, side elevational view of the tilting arms of Figures 1 and 4.
Figure 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the tilting arms of Figure 5; one tilting arm thereof is indicated in phantom lines in its raised or tilted position.
3511~3 ~
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 2 illustrating the tilting arms of Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9~9 of Figure 7, Figure 10 is a side elevational view of one of the arm members of the tilting arms of Figure 6, illu~trated in isolation for clarity's sake.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary, partially ~roken away ~ide elevational view of one of the racking arms of Figure 1.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-1~ of Figure 11 wherein the movement of the cradling lug i~ illustrated in phantom lines.
Figuxe 13 i~ a cross-sectional view of the racking arm of Figure 12 taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12.
Figure 14 i.s a side elevational view of the buggy in the stationary ~:rough of Figure 1 illustrating the movement thereof as it pushes a pipe along the stationary trough.
Figure 15 i6 a view similar to that of Figure 14 ~urther illustrating the pipe-holding shovel as~embly thereo~ as it engages and rides up the movable trough.
Figure 16 is a top plan view taken along line 16-16 of Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a cross~sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 16.
~ s~
F.igure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Figure 16.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the carriage of Figures 1 and 14.
Figure 20 is a fragmentary, perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the shovel member as it moves onto the lower end of the movable trough of Figure 1 when in its lower position; the arm members are shown in their open position.
Figure 21 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 20 illustrating the arms in their closed position as they move a length of pipe resting in the movable trough along that trough.
Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of another . embodiment of the present invention illustrating the lower end of the movable trough in its lower position, . Figure 23 :i8 a view similar to that of Figure 22 wherein the shovel member has engaged the carriage of the movable trough.
. . '.
General Description Referring to Figure 1, there i~ illustrated an apparatu~
of an embodiment of the present invention shown generally at 30 for handling pipe P and other tubulaxs. Thi~ apparatus generally includes a main support frame 32 ~hown positioned on a catwalk C, a stationary trough 34 having end~ 36 and 38 ~ 3~
resting on and supported by support frame 32, and a movable trough 40 supported at one end 42 on drilling rig D and at it~ other end 44 by a pair of masts 46, 46. Masts 46, 46 are mounted on opposite sides of stationary trough end 38.
A mast drive system shown generally at 48 lift~ and lowers movable trough end 44 between masts 46, 46. As movable trough end 44 is raised to its upper position, movable trough end 42 is caused to slide further on to drilling rig floor D and to be positioned generally lower relative to drilling rig floor D whereby a length of pipe may be more easily removed from movable trough 40. When movable trough end 44 i~ in its lower position, movable trough 40 and stationary trough 36 are adjacent each other and are in alignment so that pipe can slide between them.
A buggy 50 is power2d to ride in stationary trough 34 between endq 36 and 38 thereof. Buggy 50 engages a shovel member 52 which i5 adapted to hold one end of a length of pipe P.
Shovel member 52 is also engageable with a carriage or similar means 53 positioned in movable trough 40, Carriage 53 i9 similaxly powered to move along movable trough 40 between ends 42 and ~4 thereof. Carriage 53 i~ lik~wise engageable with shovel member 52 whereby pipe P held by shovel member 52 may be moved between ~tationary trough 34 and drilling rig floor D along movable trough 40. When movable trough end 44 is ln its lower position, shovel member 52 holding pipe P may be moved between the two troughs.
A racking arm assembly is shown generally at 54 for moving pipe between pipe , racks R, R and stationary trough 32~ Pipe racks R, R are positioned on either side of stationary trough 32 and are illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising triangular shaped structures though any suitable racks may be used. Racking assembly 54 is positionable on one or both sides o station-ary trough 34, as will be described in greater detail later.
Also, a tilting arm assembly shown generally at 56 is provided.
This assembly 56 moves the pipe hetween stationary trough 34 and racking arm assembly shown generally at 54. Each of these racking arms is provided with a pivotal attachment,~57 allowing pivotal movement in two directions so that the armq can be positioned alongside the stationary trough for easier transport of apparatus 30 and when not the particular arm is not b~ing used.
Thu~, as is readily apparent, plpe can be moved by apparatus 30 betwe~n pipe racks ~, R and drilling rig floor D in one smooth operation. Pipe on drilling rig floor D i8 positioned in movable trough 40 and held therein by ~hovel member 5~, which i~ then moved down movable trough 40 by carriage 53 as movable trough end 44 i9 moved down between masts 46, 46 by mast drive system 48 to stationary trough end 38. When movable trough end 44 is ln its lower po~ition shovel member 52 is disengaged from carriage 53 and engaged to buggy 50. Thus, as buggy 50 is moved in stationary trough 34 towards end 36, pipe P travels therewith until it reache~
a position over tilting arm assembly 56. Tilting arm a~sembly ~ 3~
5G is then tilted toward racklng arm assembly 54, as will be described in greater detail later. At that point, the pipe i~ moved by the racking arm assembly downward until it rests on pipe rack R. A similar procedure in reverse is used to move the pipe from plpe racks R, R to drilling rig floor D.
Only a ~ingle operator is needed to operate all of the aforementioned systems of app~ratus 30- an operator~S
station or cab 58 is provided for that operator and an appropriate control panel disposed therein. Cab 58 i~ attached to stationary trough end 36. As best shown in Figure 3, cab attachment 59 includes a pivoting means whereby cab 58 may be pivoted until it rest on stationary trough 34 for easier loading and transporting of apparatus 30.
I
The mast drive system shown generally at 62 in Fig. 3 is illustrated and described in further detail in commonly-owned Canadian application No. 393,693 filed January 7, 1982. Briefly, though, mast drive system 62 includes a chain 45 connected at one end to movable trough end 44 and at the other end to a hydraulic cylinder assembly, which in the preferred embodiment comprises two parallel hydraulic cyl.inders, positioned between and adjacent masts 46, 46. As the cylihders are pressurized, the chain lifts movable trough end 44. Also, masts, 46 46 may be rotated between a vertical position and ~
~35~L~
a horizontal position generally res~ing on trough 34 by a hydrauiic lit syst~m shown generally at 64. Sy~tem 64 causes ma~ts 46, 46 to pivot at 65 in a manner indicated by the arrows and phantom lines of Figure 1.
Buggy 50 has a spine portion 66 depending therefrom and extending into slot 68 along the middle of stationary trough 34, as best shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 3, endless chain 70 is connected at opposite ends thereof to spine 66 and is powered to move buggy 50 along the stationary trough. A shock absorber mechanism 72 is employed along chain 70 to absorb some of th~ impact forces as pipe P move~
from movable trough 40 to stationary trough 34.
Tilting arm assembly 56 is illustrated in Figures 4-10.
Tilting arm assembiy 56 comprises two sets of tilting arms 74 and each of these tilting arms 74 defines a wi3hbone shape, as well illustrated in E'igure 10. This wishbone shape includes arm portions 76 and 78 and hands 80 and 82.
Hand ~urfaces 84 and 86 are shaped so that they lie flu~h with the surface of stationary trough 34 when the tilting arm i6 in the down or non-tilted po~ition, aq can seen in Figure 4. The arm Eurther includes holes 88 and 89 which provide pivotal connections.
As shown in Figure 6, cylinder 90 i5 pivotally conneated at each of its ends, lower end 92 and upper pi~ton rod end 94. End 92 pivots about pin 96 which is mounted to ear 98.
Ear 98 is securely mounted on cross member 100 of frame 32.
1 1~35~L8 End 94 pivots about pin 102 which passes through hole 89.
Member 74, in additiun to pivoting about pin 102, also pivot8 about pin 104. Pin 104 which passes through hole 88 i8 bolted to the stationary trough, a8 best shown in Figure 6. Thus, as hydraulic cylinder 90 is pressurized by hydraulic fluid, it8 piston rod 105 extends arm 74 upward and thereby pivots it about pin 104. As it pivots, it extends through opening 106 ~best shown in Figure 4) in stationary trough 34 with surface 86 contacting a length of pipe P held therein and lifting it out of the stationary trough and rolling it towards the pipe rack R. Each set of arms i5 spaced a .
distance less then the length of a pipe and the hydraulic cylinders or them are pressurized at the same time so that the pipe i8 lifted in an even, horizontal manner.
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, racking assembly 54 i5 shown. It basically comprises an arm 110, pivotally attached at it~ upper encl to stationary trough 34 by pivotal attachment 57 and resting at its lower end on the ground, or similar surface, G. A hydraulic cylinder 112 is mounted in arm 110, which includes two interconnected box structures 111, 111, at its ends 114 and 116. A racking arm cro~s-head a~sembly 118 is a~tached at the end of piston rod 120 of hydraulic cylinder 112. A leaf chain 122 is attached at one end adjacent end 116 and at its other end to a lifting lug assembly shown generally at 124. It is lifting lus assembly 124 which cradles pipe P ayainst arm ].10 and, when pulled by leaf chain 122, lifts the pipe along the arm to stationary trough 134. Racking arm cross-head assembly 118 includes ~3531~3 two parallel wheels 126, 126 which, when moved by piston !
120, roll in arm 110 and about which leaf chain 122, 122 are reaved, as best shown in Figure 11. Lifting lug assembly 124 includes two triangular shaped plates 128, 128, connected at one corner t.hereo by a roller tube 130, Roller tube 130 ha~ welded thereto a pair of leaf chained clevise a~emblies 132, 132 to which leaf chains 122, 122 are attached.
roller shaft 134 also interconnects plates 128, 128 at a second corner thereof. Rotatably secured to shaft 134 at either ends thereof and outside of plates 128, 12a are two weight members 136, 136 which are pivotally attached thereto and depending therefrom providing the needed weight to keep leaf chain 122 taut at all times. At the third corner of triangular plates 128, 128, a cam follower 138 is rotatably attached. As best shown in Figure 12, and a~ liting lug assembly i8 moved to the upper end of arm 110, cam follower 138 is cammed again~t surface 139 towards stationary trough 134 thereby cau ing a lifting lug assembly 124 to tilt towards stationary trough 34 and dumping pipe P into the trough. As hydraulic cylinder 112 is depresquriz~.d and piston 120 accordingly retracted, lifting lug assembly 124 aided by weight members 136, 136 is dropped down along the arm 110 past end 116 to ground G. Leaf chain 122 thu~
~ollows a path from point 116 down to point 114 and this allows for a racking arm assembly that does not require the piston to extend the full length of the arm memb~r.
1~35~
Referring to Figure l, it is seen that on either side of stationary trough 134 there are two racking arm assemblies 54, 54 on either side thereof. ~ach of the assemblies on one side of the stationary trough, or in the preferred embodiment on both sides of the stationary trough, are of identical construction and the hydraulic cylinders therefore are pressurized in parallel and identical manners BO that the lifting lug assemblies travel up the respective arms at identical rates and the pipe moves in a level, horizontal manner. However, the racking arms assemblies on either side of the stationary trough are designed to operate independently of each other. Further, when the cradling lug~ on one side of the stationar,y txough are dumping pipe into the trough, the cradling lugs on the other side can be in their upper position. This provides a safety stop ~o that when pipe i~
dumped into one side of the trough by the cradling lugs, it doe~ not roll out the other side.
As previously mentioned, pivotal attachment 57 for the racking arm assembly allows for pivotal movement of arm llO
a~out two axes, as best shown in Figure 4. Pivotal attach-ment 57 inaludes a plate member 133 attached to the side of the stationary trough 34 by pivot assembly 140 which allow~
pivotal movement about axes 14Oa as shown in Figure 4.
Plate 138 further comprises two pair of ear members 142, 142 each having holes 144, 144 passing therethrough. Each pair o ears 142, 142 are spaced defining a slot there-through in which tabs 145, 145 of structures 111, 111 can be placed. Tabs 145, 145 also have holes alignable with the hole~ in ears 142, 142 and through which pivot pins 146, 146 are po~itioned. Arm 110 is able ~o pivot abouk pin3 146, 146, that is, about axis 146a. Arm 110, thus, may be moved between a down position xesting on the ground and a horizontal, or stored, positlon against the stationary trough.
As shown in ~igure 19, buggy 50 has a ~pine portion 66 depending therefrom which passes through the slot in ~tation-axy trough 34O On opposing sides of spine portion 66 and at either end~ thereof are two sets of rotatably mounted wheel assemblies 150. Wheel assemblies 150 are adapted to ride in channel 151 extending the length of and beneath stationary trough 34~ Thus, the endless chain mounted at either end of the spi.ne pulls buggy 50 which then rolls on its wheel assemblies 150, 150. Buggy 50 al~o has a horizontal member 152 which has a bottom contour similar to that of the stationary trough. At the rear edge of member 152 and mounted perpendicular thereto is a vertical member 154 and mounted on the back side of member 154 are two hookY 156, 15 6 having their hook portion extending over the top o~
member 154. It is hooks 156, 156 which en~age ~hovel member 52.
As best shown in Figure 20, shovel member 52 has a horizontal bafie member 160 contoured ~o that it can freely slide in stationary trough 34 and in movable trough 40. The forward tip of member 160 has, as best shown in Figure 16, a beveled cutout 162 at the location that would be expos~d to the greatest impact or damaging contact force~. Mounted vertically in a central section of member 160 is a striker plate 164. A resilient material or coating 166 is added to the forward face of plate 164. Coating 166 is added to provide a resilient surface ayainst which pipe P can impact thereby absorbing some of the impact forces as well a~
preventing damage to the pin end of pipe P. Attached to the rear edge 168 of member 160 and at a angle to the horizontal arm members 170, 170, is a bar 172, which is mounted between arms 170, 170 at their uppermost ends. It is bar 172 which can be held by hooks 156, 156 of buggy 50 when shovel member 52 i~ moved by buggy 50. Shovel member 52 further includes a vertical spine 174 mounted in the center of plate 160 :
between plate 164 and arms 170. Spine 174 provides needed structural support. Thus, as shovel membex 52 i8 moved by buggy 50, bar 172 is held by hooks 156, as shown in Figure 14O R~ferring now to Figure 15, it is seen that as buggy 50 pushes shovel member 53 and thus pipe P up movable trough end 44, shovel member 53 rotates about edge 168 thereby rotating bar 172 down and out of engagement with hooks 156 so ~h~t it can move up the movable trough. The pre~ent invent.i.on teaches two methods for holding shovel member 53 and moving it along movable trough 40.
One method is illustra-ted in Figures 20 and 21 and includes a bucket assembly shown generally at 180. Greater detail and explanation for the operation of one suitable bucket assembly 180 is found in the previously incorporated application~. Briefly, though, it include~ a chain drive (not shown herein~, which pulls mast structure 182, 182~ A
plurality of arm segments 184, 184 are attached to mas structure 182. Bucket assembly 180 further includes a mechanism ~not illustrated herein) for closing and opening arm segments 184 when bucke~ 180 is adjacent movable trough end 44. This mechanism provides a camming action which closes arm segements 184 as bucket assembly 180 is pulled by the chain drive away from end 44, and also opens the arms as the bucket assembly approaches end 44. Arm segmentR 184 close around plate 164 holding shovel member 53 therein for travel along movable trough 40.
The second embodiment is shown Figures 22 and 23. It provides for a carriage 186 driven by continuous chain 188, which reeves about drive sproc~et 189, along the length o~
movable trough 40. This embodiment further includes a slightly modified shovel member 190 having a longer forward plate member 192 and also having a first latch portion 194 depending there:Erom at a forward location of plate 192, Fir~t latch portion 194 i9 adapted to engage a ~econd mated latch portion 196 mountecl on carriage 186. A~ shown in Figure 23, these two latch portions engage a3 ~hovel member 53 i8 moved onto movable trough 40 and carriage 186 iB
pulled by chain 188 up movable trough 40. Thi~ latching and unlatching proceduxe is activated by the aforementioned rotating action of the shovel member about itB edge 168 as it move~ between the two troughs.
1 1~35~1 !3 From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modification~ of the present invention which come within the province of those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the aforementioned invention pertains, However, it i8 intended that all s~ch variations not departing Erom the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appended claims.
Back round of the Invention g _ __ Thi~ invention relates to a machin~ for handling pipe ~nd ~imilar tubular goods between a drill~ing rig and a pipe rack. It relates more particularly to a pipe handling machine adapted for u~e at onshore locations a3 well as to a machine that can be easily disassembled, transported between drilling rig site6, and reassembled at the new site.
In the prior art there are various methods and devices for lifting and moving pipe to and from pipe racks and an elevated drilling xig floor. One of such methods simply attaches a wire cable to the pipe and then the cable is lifted by a hydraulic winch which is typically mounted on the truck parked near the rig. Cranes and hydraulic driven chains have al~o been used to lift and move the pipe. These methods have proven to be very slow and thus very costly.
They also have required additional personnel to handle the pipe at both the drilling rig site and at the pipe rack. A~
the pipe was transferred it could become unattached Erom the pipe lifting structure or more commonly could swing about thereby injuring personnel, or damaging the pipe or adjacent structure.
More recently machines have been built which have reduced these problems. However, these machines have also proven to be slow and cumbersome, as well as proven to be unsafe.
~3~
Machines have been built in the past which included a fixed trough, dPvices for moving pipe from the pipe rack to tha~ ~rough, a moving means for moving the pipe from the fixed ~rough to a movable trough, and means for removing the pipe from the movable trough to the drilling rig floor~
But, as ha~ been previously discussed, these machine~ have proven to be cumbersome and slow.
Additionally, a pair of pipe racking arms positioned on either side o~ the stationary trough have been used. A
length of chain is reeved about appropriate sprocket~ connecting pipe cradling lugs on legs on opposing sides of the ~tation-ary trough. A similar chain and lug assembly was provided on the other opposing pair of arms. A heavy and expensive motor and a large, single shaft drive apparatus were employed to turn the sprockets. Thus, aQ the shaft turned, both the cradling lugs on one side of the stationary trough would be moving upwardly while the opposing lugs on the other side of the trough would be moving in a downward direction. This often proved to be unnecessary and unsafe since only the arms of one side of the trough or the other were being used at any one time.
To move the pipe ~rom the stationary trough to the racking arms a dump trough system has been used. This system employed a tiltable segmen-t of trough tilted by two pair of hydraulic cylinders positioned at either ends thereof.
This system proved to be very fragile because the pivot point for the dump trough portion wa~ at one end of the hydraulic cylinder, and because the hydraulic cylinders had to lift an entire trough section as well as the pipe.
~35~3 The operator's station in prior machines was a separate unit connected by appropriate control lines. This unit was difflcult to lift onto a transporting vehicle when being moved between drilling rig sites and would have to be lifted separately from the troughs.
Another problem present in prior art machines was that no suitable method had been developed for moving the pipe between the fixed trough and the inclined trough and then from the inclined trough to the drilling rig floor. Some past devices even required personnel to be positioned ad~acent to the mo-~able trough to hook the pipe to suitable lifting means. This, of course, proved to be slow, co~tly and dangerous. Mechanical devices used to move the pipe were slow and often mechanically complicated. They also would bang the pipe about damaging the pin ends thereof or the pipe handling apparatus's drive chains.
Obiects_of_the Invention Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved machine or transferring pipe betw,een a pipe rack arld the floor of a drilling rig, and conversely during other sequences in the drilling operation to transfer pipe from the drillinq floor to the pipe rack.
35~
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for transEerring pipe to and from the floor of a drilllng rig comprising:
a stationary trough means for receiving and supporting pipe adapted to be located below the level of the floor of the drilling rig with one end extending toward said rig and located in proximity to said rig, a support means located at said one end of said stationary trough means, a movable trough means for receiving and supporting pipe aligned with said stationary trough means and having a first end coupled to said support means for generally vertical movement between a lower position and an upper position and having an opposite end adjacent said rig, said lower position being adjacent to said one end of said stationary trough means to permit the transfer of pipe between said movable and said stationary trough means, and said upper position being generally above and substanti.ally spaced from said one end of said stationary trough means, a power means at said support means for moving said first end of said movable trough means between said lower and upper positions, a first moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said stationary trough means to said one end and onto said movable trough means when said first end of said movable trough means is in said lower position and for allowing pipe to move down from said movable trough mean.s when sa.id movable trough means is in said lower position and into and along said sta~ionary trough means, a second moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said movable trough means between said first end when said movable trough means is in said lower position and said second end when in said upper position, and a holding means for holding pipe as it is moved by said first and second moving means and transferred between said first and second moving means.
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~3~
Other ohjects and advantaqes of the present invention will becorne more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embody-ing the present invention in use at a drilling rig ~ite.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 1.
Fiyure 3 is a side elevational view of the stationary trough of Figure 2; the forward end of the movable trough is shown in phantom lines in its lower position.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the tilting arms of the stationary trough or Figure l; one pair of tilting arms is shown in phantom lines in its raised or tilted position and the racking arms are shown in phantom lines in their down po~ition.
Figure 5 is a fragmen-tary, side elevational view of the tilting arms of Figures 1 and 4.
Figure 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the tilting arms of Figure 5; one tilting arm thereof is indicated in phantom lines in its raised or tilted position.
3511~3 ~
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 2 illustrating the tilting arms of Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the stationary trough of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9~9 of Figure 7, Figure 10 is a side elevational view of one of the arm members of the tilting arms of Figure 6, illu~trated in isolation for clarity's sake.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary, partially ~roken away ~ide elevational view of one of the racking arms of Figure 1.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-1~ of Figure 11 wherein the movement of the cradling lug i~ illustrated in phantom lines.
Figuxe 13 i~ a cross-sectional view of the racking arm of Figure 12 taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12.
Figure 14 i.s a side elevational view of the buggy in the stationary ~:rough of Figure 1 illustrating the movement thereof as it pushes a pipe along the stationary trough.
Figure 15 i6 a view similar to that of Figure 14 ~urther illustrating the pipe-holding shovel as~embly thereo~ as it engages and rides up the movable trough.
Figure 16 is a top plan view taken along line 16-16 of Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a cross~sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 16.
~ s~
F.igure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Figure 16.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the carriage of Figures 1 and 14.
Figure 20 is a fragmentary, perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the shovel member as it moves onto the lower end of the movable trough of Figure 1 when in its lower position; the arm members are shown in their open position.
Figure 21 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 20 illustrating the arms in their closed position as they move a length of pipe resting in the movable trough along that trough.
Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of another . embodiment of the present invention illustrating the lower end of the movable trough in its lower position, . Figure 23 :i8 a view similar to that of Figure 22 wherein the shovel member has engaged the carriage of the movable trough.
. . '.
General Description Referring to Figure 1, there i~ illustrated an apparatu~
of an embodiment of the present invention shown generally at 30 for handling pipe P and other tubulaxs. Thi~ apparatus generally includes a main support frame 32 ~hown positioned on a catwalk C, a stationary trough 34 having end~ 36 and 38 ~ 3~
resting on and supported by support frame 32, and a movable trough 40 supported at one end 42 on drilling rig D and at it~ other end 44 by a pair of masts 46, 46. Masts 46, 46 are mounted on opposite sides of stationary trough end 38.
A mast drive system shown generally at 48 lift~ and lowers movable trough end 44 between masts 46, 46. As movable trough end 44 is raised to its upper position, movable trough end 42 is caused to slide further on to drilling rig floor D and to be positioned generally lower relative to drilling rig floor D whereby a length of pipe may be more easily removed from movable trough 40. When movable trough end 44 i~ in its lower position, movable trough 40 and stationary trough 36 are adjacent each other and are in alignment so that pipe can slide between them.
A buggy 50 is power2d to ride in stationary trough 34 between endq 36 and 38 thereof. Buggy 50 engages a shovel member 52 which i5 adapted to hold one end of a length of pipe P.
Shovel member 52 is also engageable with a carriage or similar means 53 positioned in movable trough 40, Carriage 53 i9 similaxly powered to move along movable trough 40 between ends 42 and ~4 thereof. Carriage 53 i~ lik~wise engageable with shovel member 52 whereby pipe P held by shovel member 52 may be moved between ~tationary trough 34 and drilling rig floor D along movable trough 40. When movable trough end 44 is ln its lower position, shovel member 52 holding pipe P may be moved between the two troughs.
A racking arm assembly is shown generally at 54 for moving pipe between pipe , racks R, R and stationary trough 32~ Pipe racks R, R are positioned on either side of stationary trough 32 and are illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising triangular shaped structures though any suitable racks may be used. Racking assembly 54 is positionable on one or both sides o station-ary trough 34, as will be described in greater detail later.
Also, a tilting arm assembly shown generally at 56 is provided.
This assembly 56 moves the pipe hetween stationary trough 34 and racking arm assembly shown generally at 54. Each of these racking arms is provided with a pivotal attachment,~57 allowing pivotal movement in two directions so that the armq can be positioned alongside the stationary trough for easier transport of apparatus 30 and when not the particular arm is not b~ing used.
Thu~, as is readily apparent, plpe can be moved by apparatus 30 betwe~n pipe racks ~, R and drilling rig floor D in one smooth operation. Pipe on drilling rig floor D i8 positioned in movable trough 40 and held therein by ~hovel member 5~, which i~ then moved down movable trough 40 by carriage 53 as movable trough end 44 i9 moved down between masts 46, 46 by mast drive system 48 to stationary trough end 38. When movable trough end 44 is ln its lower po~ition shovel member 52 is disengaged from carriage 53 and engaged to buggy 50. Thus, as buggy 50 is moved in stationary trough 34 towards end 36, pipe P travels therewith until it reache~
a position over tilting arm assembly 56. Tilting arm a~sembly ~ 3~
5G is then tilted toward racklng arm assembly 54, as will be described in greater detail later. At that point, the pipe i~ moved by the racking arm assembly downward until it rests on pipe rack R. A similar procedure in reverse is used to move the pipe from plpe racks R, R to drilling rig floor D.
Only a ~ingle operator is needed to operate all of the aforementioned systems of app~ratus 30- an operator~S
station or cab 58 is provided for that operator and an appropriate control panel disposed therein. Cab 58 i~ attached to stationary trough end 36. As best shown in Figure 3, cab attachment 59 includes a pivoting means whereby cab 58 may be pivoted until it rest on stationary trough 34 for easier loading and transporting of apparatus 30.
I
The mast drive system shown generally at 62 in Fig. 3 is illustrated and described in further detail in commonly-owned Canadian application No. 393,693 filed January 7, 1982. Briefly, though, mast drive system 62 includes a chain 45 connected at one end to movable trough end 44 and at the other end to a hydraulic cylinder assembly, which in the preferred embodiment comprises two parallel hydraulic cyl.inders, positioned between and adjacent masts 46, 46. As the cylihders are pressurized, the chain lifts movable trough end 44. Also, masts, 46 46 may be rotated between a vertical position and ~
~35~L~
a horizontal position generally res~ing on trough 34 by a hydrauiic lit syst~m shown generally at 64. Sy~tem 64 causes ma~ts 46, 46 to pivot at 65 in a manner indicated by the arrows and phantom lines of Figure 1.
Buggy 50 has a spine portion 66 depending therefrom and extending into slot 68 along the middle of stationary trough 34, as best shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 3, endless chain 70 is connected at opposite ends thereof to spine 66 and is powered to move buggy 50 along the stationary trough. A shock absorber mechanism 72 is employed along chain 70 to absorb some of th~ impact forces as pipe P move~
from movable trough 40 to stationary trough 34.
Tilting arm assembly 56 is illustrated in Figures 4-10.
Tilting arm assembiy 56 comprises two sets of tilting arms 74 and each of these tilting arms 74 defines a wi3hbone shape, as well illustrated in E'igure 10. This wishbone shape includes arm portions 76 and 78 and hands 80 and 82.
Hand ~urfaces 84 and 86 are shaped so that they lie flu~h with the surface of stationary trough 34 when the tilting arm i6 in the down or non-tilted po~ition, aq can seen in Figure 4. The arm Eurther includes holes 88 and 89 which provide pivotal connections.
As shown in Figure 6, cylinder 90 i5 pivotally conneated at each of its ends, lower end 92 and upper pi~ton rod end 94. End 92 pivots about pin 96 which is mounted to ear 98.
Ear 98 is securely mounted on cross member 100 of frame 32.
1 1~35~L8 End 94 pivots about pin 102 which passes through hole 89.
Member 74, in additiun to pivoting about pin 102, also pivot8 about pin 104. Pin 104 which passes through hole 88 i8 bolted to the stationary trough, a8 best shown in Figure 6. Thus, as hydraulic cylinder 90 is pressurized by hydraulic fluid, it8 piston rod 105 extends arm 74 upward and thereby pivots it about pin 104. As it pivots, it extends through opening 106 ~best shown in Figure 4) in stationary trough 34 with surface 86 contacting a length of pipe P held therein and lifting it out of the stationary trough and rolling it towards the pipe rack R. Each set of arms i5 spaced a .
distance less then the length of a pipe and the hydraulic cylinders or them are pressurized at the same time so that the pipe i8 lifted in an even, horizontal manner.
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, racking assembly 54 i5 shown. It basically comprises an arm 110, pivotally attached at it~ upper encl to stationary trough 34 by pivotal attachment 57 and resting at its lower end on the ground, or similar surface, G. A hydraulic cylinder 112 is mounted in arm 110, which includes two interconnected box structures 111, 111, at its ends 114 and 116. A racking arm cro~s-head a~sembly 118 is a~tached at the end of piston rod 120 of hydraulic cylinder 112. A leaf chain 122 is attached at one end adjacent end 116 and at its other end to a lifting lug assembly shown generally at 124. It is lifting lus assembly 124 which cradles pipe P ayainst arm ].10 and, when pulled by leaf chain 122, lifts the pipe along the arm to stationary trough 134. Racking arm cross-head assembly 118 includes ~3531~3 two parallel wheels 126, 126 which, when moved by piston !
120, roll in arm 110 and about which leaf chain 122, 122 are reaved, as best shown in Figure 11. Lifting lug assembly 124 includes two triangular shaped plates 128, 128, connected at one corner t.hereo by a roller tube 130, Roller tube 130 ha~ welded thereto a pair of leaf chained clevise a~emblies 132, 132 to which leaf chains 122, 122 are attached.
roller shaft 134 also interconnects plates 128, 128 at a second corner thereof. Rotatably secured to shaft 134 at either ends thereof and outside of plates 128, 12a are two weight members 136, 136 which are pivotally attached thereto and depending therefrom providing the needed weight to keep leaf chain 122 taut at all times. At the third corner of triangular plates 128, 128, a cam follower 138 is rotatably attached. As best shown in Figure 12, and a~ liting lug assembly i8 moved to the upper end of arm 110, cam follower 138 is cammed again~t surface 139 towards stationary trough 134 thereby cau ing a lifting lug assembly 124 to tilt towards stationary trough 34 and dumping pipe P into the trough. As hydraulic cylinder 112 is depresquriz~.d and piston 120 accordingly retracted, lifting lug assembly 124 aided by weight members 136, 136 is dropped down along the arm 110 past end 116 to ground G. Leaf chain 122 thu~
~ollows a path from point 116 down to point 114 and this allows for a racking arm assembly that does not require the piston to extend the full length of the arm memb~r.
1~35~
Referring to Figure l, it is seen that on either side of stationary trough 134 there are two racking arm assemblies 54, 54 on either side thereof. ~ach of the assemblies on one side of the stationary trough, or in the preferred embodiment on both sides of the stationary trough, are of identical construction and the hydraulic cylinders therefore are pressurized in parallel and identical manners BO that the lifting lug assemblies travel up the respective arms at identical rates and the pipe moves in a level, horizontal manner. However, the racking arms assemblies on either side of the stationary trough are designed to operate independently of each other. Further, when the cradling lug~ on one side of the stationar,y txough are dumping pipe into the trough, the cradling lugs on the other side can be in their upper position. This provides a safety stop ~o that when pipe i~
dumped into one side of the trough by the cradling lugs, it doe~ not roll out the other side.
As previously mentioned, pivotal attachment 57 for the racking arm assembly allows for pivotal movement of arm llO
a~out two axes, as best shown in Figure 4. Pivotal attach-ment 57 inaludes a plate member 133 attached to the side of the stationary trough 34 by pivot assembly 140 which allow~
pivotal movement about axes 14Oa as shown in Figure 4.
Plate 138 further comprises two pair of ear members 142, 142 each having holes 144, 144 passing therethrough. Each pair o ears 142, 142 are spaced defining a slot there-through in which tabs 145, 145 of structures 111, 111 can be placed. Tabs 145, 145 also have holes alignable with the hole~ in ears 142, 142 and through which pivot pins 146, 146 are po~itioned. Arm 110 is able ~o pivot abouk pin3 146, 146, that is, about axis 146a. Arm 110, thus, may be moved between a down position xesting on the ground and a horizontal, or stored, positlon against the stationary trough.
As shown in ~igure 19, buggy 50 has a ~pine portion 66 depending therefrom which passes through the slot in ~tation-axy trough 34O On opposing sides of spine portion 66 and at either end~ thereof are two sets of rotatably mounted wheel assemblies 150. Wheel assemblies 150 are adapted to ride in channel 151 extending the length of and beneath stationary trough 34~ Thus, the endless chain mounted at either end of the spi.ne pulls buggy 50 which then rolls on its wheel assemblies 150, 150. Buggy 50 al~o has a horizontal member 152 which has a bottom contour similar to that of the stationary trough. At the rear edge of member 152 and mounted perpendicular thereto is a vertical member 154 and mounted on the back side of member 154 are two hookY 156, 15 6 having their hook portion extending over the top o~
member 154. It is hooks 156, 156 which en~age ~hovel member 52.
As best shown in Figure 20, shovel member 52 has a horizontal bafie member 160 contoured ~o that it can freely slide in stationary trough 34 and in movable trough 40. The forward tip of member 160 has, as best shown in Figure 16, a beveled cutout 162 at the location that would be expos~d to the greatest impact or damaging contact force~. Mounted vertically in a central section of member 160 is a striker plate 164. A resilient material or coating 166 is added to the forward face of plate 164. Coating 166 is added to provide a resilient surface ayainst which pipe P can impact thereby absorbing some of the impact forces as well a~
preventing damage to the pin end of pipe P. Attached to the rear edge 168 of member 160 and at a angle to the horizontal arm members 170, 170, is a bar 172, which is mounted between arms 170, 170 at their uppermost ends. It is bar 172 which can be held by hooks 156, 156 of buggy 50 when shovel member 52 i~ moved by buggy 50. Shovel member 52 further includes a vertical spine 174 mounted in the center of plate 160 :
between plate 164 and arms 170. Spine 174 provides needed structural support. Thus, as shovel membex 52 i8 moved by buggy 50, bar 172 is held by hooks 156, as shown in Figure 14O R~ferring now to Figure 15, it is seen that as buggy 50 pushes shovel member 53 and thus pipe P up movable trough end 44, shovel member 53 rotates about edge 168 thereby rotating bar 172 down and out of engagement with hooks 156 so ~h~t it can move up the movable trough. The pre~ent invent.i.on teaches two methods for holding shovel member 53 and moving it along movable trough 40.
One method is illustra-ted in Figures 20 and 21 and includes a bucket assembly shown generally at 180. Greater detail and explanation for the operation of one suitable bucket assembly 180 is found in the previously incorporated application~. Briefly, though, it include~ a chain drive (not shown herein~, which pulls mast structure 182, 182~ A
plurality of arm segments 184, 184 are attached to mas structure 182. Bucket assembly 180 further includes a mechanism ~not illustrated herein) for closing and opening arm segments 184 when bucke~ 180 is adjacent movable trough end 44. This mechanism provides a camming action which closes arm segements 184 as bucket assembly 180 is pulled by the chain drive away from end 44, and also opens the arms as the bucket assembly approaches end 44. Arm segmentR 184 close around plate 164 holding shovel member 53 therein for travel along movable trough 40.
The second embodiment is shown Figures 22 and 23. It provides for a carriage 186 driven by continuous chain 188, which reeves about drive sproc~et 189, along the length o~
movable trough 40. This embodiment further includes a slightly modified shovel member 190 having a longer forward plate member 192 and also having a first latch portion 194 depending there:Erom at a forward location of plate 192, Fir~t latch portion 194 i9 adapted to engage a ~econd mated latch portion 196 mountecl on carriage 186. A~ shown in Figure 23, these two latch portions engage a3 ~hovel member 53 i8 moved onto movable trough 40 and carriage 186 iB
pulled by chain 188 up movable trough 40. Thi~ latching and unlatching proceduxe is activated by the aforementioned rotating action of the shovel member about itB edge 168 as it move~ between the two troughs.
1 1~35~1 !3 From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modification~ of the present invention which come within the province of those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the aforementioned invention pertains, However, it i8 intended that all s~ch variations not departing Erom the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appended claims.
Claims (18)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus for transferring pipe to and from the floor of a drilling rig comprising:
a stationary trough means for receiving and supporting pipe adapted to be located below the level of the floor of the drilling rig with one end extending toward said rig and located in proximity to said rig, a support means located at said one end of said stationary trough means, a movable trough means for receiving and supporting pipe aligned with said stationary trough means and having a first end coupled to said support means for generally vertical movement between a lower position and an upper position and having an opposite end adjacent said rig, said lower position being adjacent to said one end of said stationary trough means to permit the transfer of pipe between said movable and said stationary trough means, and said upper position being generally above and substantially spaced from said one end of said stationary trough means, a power means at said support means for moving said first end of said movable trough means between said lower and upper positions, a first moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said stationary trough means to said one end and onto said movable trough means when said first end of said movable trough means is in said lower position and for allowing pipe to move down from said movable trough means when said movable trough means is in said lower position and into and along said stationary trough means, a second moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said movable trough means between said first end when said movable trough means is in said lower position and said second end when in said upper position, and a holding means for holding pipe as it is moved by said first and second moving means and transferred between said first and second moving means.
a stationary trough means for receiving and supporting pipe adapted to be located below the level of the floor of the drilling rig with one end extending toward said rig and located in proximity to said rig, a support means located at said one end of said stationary trough means, a movable trough means for receiving and supporting pipe aligned with said stationary trough means and having a first end coupled to said support means for generally vertical movement between a lower position and an upper position and having an opposite end adjacent said rig, said lower position being adjacent to said one end of said stationary trough means to permit the transfer of pipe between said movable and said stationary trough means, and said upper position being generally above and substantially spaced from said one end of said stationary trough means, a power means at said support means for moving said first end of said movable trough means between said lower and upper positions, a first moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said stationary trough means to said one end and onto said movable trough means when said first end of said movable trough means is in said lower position and for allowing pipe to move down from said movable trough means when said movable trough means is in said lower position and into and along said stationary trough means, a second moving means for moving pipe lengthwise along said movable trough means between said first end when said movable trough means is in said lower position and said second end when in said upper position, and a holding means for holding pipe as it is moved by said first and second moving means and transferred between said first and second moving means.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first connecting means for connecting said holding means and said first moving means as pipe is being moved lengthwise in said stationary trough means.
a first connecting means for connecting said holding means and said first moving means as pipe is being moved lengthwise in said stationary trough means.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising:
a second connecting means for connecting said holding means and said second moving means as pipe is being moved lengthwise in said movable trough means.
a second connecting means for connecting said holding means and said second moving means as pipe is being moved lengthwise in said movable trough means.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:
said first connecting means disconnects said holding means and said first moving means as said holding means moves from said stationary trough means to said movable trough means.
said first connecting means disconnects said holding means and said first moving means as said holding means moves from said stationary trough means to said movable trough means.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:
a second connecting means for connecting said holding means and said second moving means as pipe is being moved lengthwise in said movable trough means and said second connecting means disconnects said holding means and said second moving means as said holding means moves from said movable trough means to said stationary trough means.
a second connecting means for connecting said holding means and said second moving means as pipe is being moved lengthwise in said movable trough means and said second connecting means disconnects said holding means and said second moving means as said holding means moves from said movable trough means to said stationary trough means.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first connecting means for connecting said holding means and said first moving means as pipe is moved lengthwise in said stationary trough means, said first connecting means disconnects said holding means and said first moving means as said holding means moves from said stationary trough means to said movable trough means, and a second connecting means for connecting said holding means and said second moving means as pipe is moved lengthwise in said movable trough means, said second connecting means disconnects said holding means and said second connecting means as said holding means moves from said movable trough means to said stationary trough means, whereby said holding means holds pipe continuously as said pipe moves between the end of said stationary trough means opposite said one end and said second end of said movable trough means.
a first connecting means for connecting said holding means and said first moving means as pipe is moved lengthwise in said stationary trough means, said first connecting means disconnects said holding means and said first moving means as said holding means moves from said stationary trough means to said movable trough means, and a second connecting means for connecting said holding means and said second moving means as pipe is moved lengthwise in said movable trough means, said second connecting means disconnects said holding means and said second connecting means as said holding means moves from said movable trough means to said stationary trough means, whereby said holding means holds pipe continuously as said pipe moves between the end of said stationary trough means opposite said one end and said second end of said movable trough means.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein:
said first connecting means comprises a hook means attached to said first moving means and a bar means attached to said holding means, said bar means being engageable in said hook means.
said first connecting means comprises a hook means attached to said first moving means and a bar means attached to said holding means, said bar means being engageable in said hook means.
8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein:
said second connecting means includes a protruding member attached to said holding means, an arm means attached to said second moving means, and control means connected to said second moving means for closing said arm means about said protruding member after pipe has been moved from said stationary trough means to said movable trough means and for opening said arm means so that pipe can move between said stationary and movable trough means.
said second connecting means includes a protruding member attached to said holding means, an arm means attached to said second moving means, and control means connected to said second moving means for closing said arm means about said protruding member after pipe has been moved from said stationary trough means to said movable trough means and for opening said arm means so that pipe can move between said stationary and movable trough means.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein:
said protruding member comprises vertical pipe support structure of said holding means.
said protruding member comprises vertical pipe support structure of said holding means.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein:
said protruding member includes a resilient material on the surface thereof which the pipe contacts.
said protruding member includes a resilient material on the surface thereof which the pipe contacts.
11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein:
said control means is actuated as said second moving means approaches and leaves said first end of said movable trough means.
said control means is actuated as said second moving means approaches and leaves said first end of said movable trough means.
12. The apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein:
said second connecting means comprises a latching mechanism including a first latch portion attached to said handling means and a second latch portion attached to said second moving means.
said second connecting means comprises a latching mechanism including a first latch portion attached to said handling means and a second latch portion attached to said second moving means.
13. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:
said holding means pivots as it moves between said stationary trough means and said movable trough means, the intersection of said trough means defining an obtuse angle, and said pivoting action causes said bar to disengage from said hook as said holding means moves onto said movable trough means and to engage said hook as said holding means moves onto said stationary trough means.
said holding means pivots as it moves between said stationary trough means and said movable trough means, the intersection of said trough means defining an obtuse angle, and said pivoting action causes said bar to disengage from said hook as said holding means moves onto said movable trough means and to engage said hook as said holding means moves onto said stationary trough means.
14. The apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein:
said second connecting means comprises a latching mechanism including a first latch portion attached to said handling means and a second latch portion attached to said second moving means and said holding means pivots as it moves between said stationary trough means and said movable trough means and said pivoting causes said first latch portion and said second latch portion to latch as said holding means moves onto said movable trough means and to unlatch as said holding means moves onto said stationary trough means.
said second connecting means comprises a latching mechanism including a first latch portion attached to said handling means and a second latch portion attached to said second moving means and said holding means pivots as it moves between said stationary trough means and said movable trough means and said pivoting causes said first latch portion and said second latch portion to latch as said holding means moves onto said movable trough means and to unlatch as said holding means moves onto said stationary trough means.
15. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said second connecting means includes a protruding member attached to said holding means, an arm means attached to said second moving means, and control means connected to said second moving means for closing said arm means about said protruding member after pipe has been moved from said stationary trough means to said movable trough means and for opening said arm means so that pipe can move between said stationary and movable trough means.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said protruding member comprises vertical pipe support structure of said holding means.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said protruding member includes a resilient material on the surface thereof which the pipe contacts.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said control means is actuated as said second moving means approaches and leaves said first end of said movable trough means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000454780A CA1186300A (en) | 1982-03-02 | 1984-05-18 | Pipe handling machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/353,925 US4474520A (en) | 1982-03-02 | 1982-03-02 | Pipe handling machine |
| US353,925 | 1989-05-18 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000454780A Division CA1186300A (en) | 1982-03-02 | 1984-05-18 | Pipe handling machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1183518A true CA1183518A (en) | 1985-03-05 |
Family
ID=23391171
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000398365A Expired CA1183518A (en) | 1982-03-02 | 1982-03-15 | Pipe handling machine |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4474520A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR860000789B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1183518A (en) |
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| WO2009094765A1 (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2009-08-06 | Nabors Global Holdings Ltd. | Pipe-handling apparatus and methods |
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| CN103556959A (en) * | 2013-11-14 | 2014-02-05 | 常州大学 | Automatic transverse transferring device for oil drilling string |
| US10513895B2 (en) * | 2016-04-30 | 2019-12-24 | Cameron International Corporation | Pipe transport system and method |
| CN107780855B (en) * | 2016-08-24 | 2019-07-05 | 中国石油天然气股份有限公司 | A kind of oil pipe remote control drag-over unit |
| FR3073833B1 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2020-06-19 | Societe D'applications Electriques Et Mecaniques - Sapem | ANTI-FOX DEVICE. |
| US10920504B1 (en) | 2018-07-20 | 2021-02-16 | Hawker Equipment Solutions, LLC. | Pipe grabber |
| US10626687B1 (en) | 2018-09-14 | 2020-04-21 | Hawker Equipment Solutions, LLC. | Wedge system to extend and elevate a pipe handler |
| US10662725B1 (en) * | 2018-11-05 | 2020-05-26 | Superior Rig Innovations Ltd. | Tubular handling apparatus and methods |
| US11952844B2 (en) | 2019-01-31 | 2024-04-09 | National Oilwell Varco, L.P. | Tubular string building system and method |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3273734A (en) * | 1966-09-20 | Feed mixing and blending machine | ||
| US2735558A (en) * | 1956-02-21 | chesher | ||
| US2643006A (en) * | 1949-09-28 | 1953-06-23 | William R King | Automatic pipe handler |
| US2592324A (en) * | 1950-09-05 | 1952-04-08 | William O Matthews | Garbage loading assembly for trucks |
| US3810553A (en) * | 1972-08-31 | 1974-05-14 | R Crocker | Pipe handling device |
| US3774780A (en) * | 1972-09-07 | 1973-11-27 | W Buffington | Portable pipe pick-up, conveying and racking device |
| US3835940A (en) * | 1973-03-23 | 1974-09-17 | Smith International | Earth drilling apparatus and method |
| US4067453A (en) * | 1976-04-19 | 1978-01-10 | Western Gear Corporation | Pipe delivery system |
| US4235566A (en) * | 1978-12-04 | 1980-11-25 | Beeman Archie W | Pipe-conveying catwalk |
| US4386883A (en) * | 1980-09-30 | 1983-06-07 | Rig-A-Matic, Inc. | Materials lifting apparatus |
| US4382591A (en) * | 1980-09-30 | 1983-05-10 | Ingram Corporation | Clamping means for trough of pipe handling apparatus |
-
1982
- 1982-03-02 US US06/353,925 patent/US4474520A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1982-03-15 CA CA000398365A patent/CA1183518A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-09-10 KR KR8204105A patent/KR860000789B1/en active
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009094765A1 (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2009-08-06 | Nabors Global Holdings Ltd. | Pipe-handling apparatus and methods |
| CN101925718A (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2010-12-22 | 那伯斯环球控股有限公司 | Pipe-handling apparatus and methods |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4474520A (en) | 1984-10-02 |
| KR860000789B1 (en) | 1986-06-25 |
| KR840001511A (en) | 1984-05-07 |
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