SAFETY LATCH IMPROVEMENT FOR TUBULAR ELEVATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/676,229, filed Jul. 26, 2024, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to elevators for handling collar-type tubing, drill pipe, and casing (generally, a tubular). In particular, the disclosure relates to a latch-and-lock system for securing the elevator in a locked position around the tubular.

Description of the Related Art

Elevators are commonly used to handle collar-type tubing, drill pipe, and casing (generally, tubulars) in oil and gas production environments. Elevators are capable of handling a range of sizes of tubulars. The elevators enable the tubular to be maneuvered into a positions to be inserted downhole in an oil well.

The elevators, in particular side-door elevators, utilize a latch-and-lock system to secure the elevator around the tubing or piping. The latch-and-lock system may be operated from a single handle, and protects the elevator from accidental opening.

However, the currently technology may still be susceptible to operator error, leading to unsafe working conditions and damage being sustained to the elevator or other portions of the rig. These working conditions and the damage may cause unexpected and costly delays in the oil production environment. Thus, there is a need in the art for improved latch-and-lock systems.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to elevators for handling collar-type tubing, drill pipe, and casing (generally, a tubular). In particular, the disclosure relates to a latch-and-lock system for securing the elevator in a locked position around the tubular.

In one embodiment, a pipe elevator is disclosed. The pipe elevator includes a main body, a door, and a latch-and-lock system. The latch-and-lock system includes a catch coupled to the main body, a lock handle coupled to the door, a locking latch coupled to the door, and a verification lock coupled to the door. The verification lock includes a verification lock body, a verification lock pin partially disposed within the verification lock body, a detection pin coupled to the verification lock pin, and a spring disposed within the verification lock body and surrounding the verification lock pin. The verification lock body includes an elongated portion and a body detection pin slot.

In another embodiment, a pipe handling system is disclosed. The pipe handling system includes a first bail, a second bail, and a pipe elevator coupled to the first bail and the second bail. The pipe elevator includes a main body, a door, and a latch-and-lock system. The latch-and-lock system includes a catch coupled to the main body, a lock handle coupled to the door, a locking latch coupled to the door, and a verification lock coupled to the door. The verification lock includes a verification lock body, a verification lock pin partially disposed within the verification lock body, a detection pin coupled to the verification lock pin, and a spring disposed within the verification lock body and surrounding the verification lock pin. The verification lock body includes an elongated portion and a body detection pin slot.

In yet another embodiment, a lock verification apparatus is disclosed. The lock verification system includes a verification lock body, a detection pin coupled to the verification lock body, a detection pin coupled to the verification lock pin, a spring disposed within the verification lock body and surrounding the verification lock pin, and a connector plate. The verification lock body includes an elongated portion and a body detection pin slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a top drive, a casing running tool, and a pipe handling system, according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of a pipe elevator, according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 1C is a schematic perspective view of the latch-and-lock system of the pipe elevator in the locked position, according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 2A is a schematic reverse perspective of the latch-and-lock system in the unlocked position, according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 2B is a schematic reverse perspective of the latch-and-lock system in the locked position, according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 2C is a top, cross-sectional view of the latch-and-lock system in the locked position, according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective of the verification lock in the unlocked position, according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective of the verification lock in the unlocked position, according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 3C is a schematic perspective of the verification lock in the locked position, according to embodiments herein.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to elevators for handling collar-type tubing, drill pipe, and casing (generally, a tubular). In particular, the disclosure relates to a latch-and-lock system for securing the elevator in a locked position around the tubular.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a top drive 150, a casing running tool 160, and a pipe handling system 170. The top drive 150 is coupled to the CRT 160 via one or more of a CRT saver sub 162, a top drive saver sub 152, and/or additional saver subs between the top drive saver sub 152 and the CRT saver sub 162, typically by threaded connections. In some embodiments, the CRT 160 is connected directly to the top drive 150 (e.g., no top drive saver sub 152 or CRT saver sub 162 are used).

In some embodiments, a pipe handling system 170 is coupled to the top drive 150. The pipe handling system 170 may include a pipe elevator 100, a first bail 172A, and a second bail 172B. The first bail 172A is coupled to the top drive 150 using a first drive eye 151A and the second bail 172B is coupled to the top drive 150 using a second drive eye 151B. A first protrusion 153A of the top drive 150 is inserted into the first drive eye 151A and a second protrusion 153B is inserted into the second drive eye 151B to couple the pipe handling system 170 to the top drive 150. The first bail 172A is coupled to the pipe elevator 100 using a first elevator eye 174A and the second bail 172B is coupled to the pipe elevator 100 using a second elevator eye 174B. The first elevator eye 174A and the second elevator eye 174B are received within a first recess 115A and a second recess 115B, respectively, in the pipe elevator 100. The pipe elevator 100 includes a first bail latch 104A and a second bail latch 104B to secure the first elevator eye 174A and the second elevator eye 174B received within a first recess 115A and a second recess 115B, respectively. The pipe elevator 100 is configured to be secured around a tubular. The pipe elevator 100 is secured in a closed state around the tubular using a latch-and-lock system 102.

FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the pipe elevator 100. FIG. 1C is a schematic perspective view of the latch-and-lock system 102 of the pipe elevator 100 in the locked position. The elevator includes a main body 101A and a door 101B. The door 101B includes a latch-and-lock system 102 and a locking latch 106. The main body 101A includes the catch 108, the first bail latch 104A, the second bail latch 104B. The door 101B closes towards the main body 101A to enable the locking latch 106 to engage the catch 108. The catch 108 includes an opening 109 to receive the locking latch 106. The latch-and-lock system 102 includes a lock handle 110, a verification lock 112, and a connector plate 114. In some embodiments, the connector plate 114 and the verification lock 112 are collectively referred to as a lock verification apparatus. The verification lock 112 includes a verification lock body 119, a verification lock pin 120, and an extension 121.

FIG. 2A is a schematic reverse perspective of the latch-and-lock system 102 in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, an extension 121 of the verification lock 112 is spaced apart from the lock handle 110. The spaced apart relation of the extension 121 of the verification lock 112 from the lock handle 110 is an indicator to an operator that the pipe elevator 100 has not been properly closed and locked and thus is not properly secured around the tubular.

FIG. 2B is a schematic reverse perspective of the latch-and-lock system 102 in the locked position. FIG. 2C is a top, cross-sectional view of the latch-and-lock system 102 in the locked position. The lock handle 110 is configured to rotate about the lock handle pin 222 and engage with the locking latch 106. When the lock handle 110 is rotated away from the locking latch 106, a lock handle spring 225 is loaded with a compression force. When the lock handle 110 is released by the operator, the compression force loaded on the lock handle spring 225 drives the lock handle 110 back towards the locking latch 106. The locking latch 106 is configured to rotate about a locking latch pin 223 and engage with the catch 108.

The verification lock 112 is configured to rotate about a verification lock pin 120. When the door 101B is closed towards the main body 101A, and the locking latch 106 contacts the catch 108, the geometry of the locking latch 106 causes the locking latch 106 to pivot into a locked position. The verification lock 112 rotates around the verification lock pin 120 such that the extension 121 of the verification lock 112 secures the lock handle 110 in the locked position. The extension 121 of the verification lock 112 abuts a lower portion of the lock handle 110, preventing the rotation of the lock handle 110 about the lock handle pin 222.

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective of the verification lock 112 in the unlocked position. The connector plate 114 includes one or more fasteners 330, a bracket detection pin slot 332 formed in a bracket 334, and a connector body 333. The fasteners 330 couple the connector plate 114 to the door 101B of the pipe elevator 100. The fasteners 330 include screws, bolts, or other suitable fasteners. In some embodiments, the bracket 334 and the connector body 333 are a unitary piece. In other embodiments, the fasteners 330 secure the bracket 334 to the connector body 333.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective of the verification lock 112 in the unlocked position. The verification lock 112 further includes a spring 336. The verification lock body 119 includes a body detection pin slot 340 formed in the verification lock body 119, a first channel 352 defined by a first elongated portion 354, and a second channel 356 defined by a second elongated portion 358. The verification lock pin 120 includes a plunger 350, and a contact portion 361 including a contact end 360, where the contact end 360 distal from a pin head 362. A detection pin 345 is coupled to the verification lock pin 120. The second elongated portion 358 is received within a pin receiver 335 of the connector plate 114. The pin receiver 335 is formed in the connector body 333 of the connector plate 114.

The second elongated portion 358 includes a shoulder 357. The plunger 350 and the spring 336 are disposed within the second channel 356. The spring 336 surrounds the plunger 350 and is situated between the shoulder 357 and a stopper end 351 of the plunger 350. The stopper end 351 of the plunger 350 has a width (e.g., a diameter) that is greater than the width (e.g., diameter) of the first channel 352, and abuts an end of the second channel 356 that is distal from the pin head 362. The contact portion 361 of the verification lock pin 120 is disposed within the first channel 352.

In the unlocked position, the contact end 360 of the contact portion 361 extends out of the first channel 352. The detection pin 345 is disposed within the bracket detection pin slot 332 and the body detection pin slot 340. The detection pin 345 being disposed within the bracket detection pin slot 332 and the body detection pin slot 340 prevents the rotation of the verification lock 112 around the verification lock pin 120.

FIG. 3C is a schematic perspective of the verification lock 112 in the locked position. In the locked position, the contact end 360 is depressed into the first channel 352 by the catch 108. The catch 108 is only capable of depressing the contact end 360 of the verification lock pin 120 into the first channel 352 when the lock handle 110 has properly engaged the locking latch 106 and the locking latch 106 has properly engaged the catch 108. Therefore, when the contact end 360 of the verification lock pin 120 is engaged by the catch 108, the operator knows the latch-and-lock system 102 has properly secured the tubular within the pipe elevator 100.

When the contact end 360 of the verification lock pin 120 is depressed into the first channel 352, the stopper end 351 of the plunger 350 compresses the spring 336 against the shoulder 357 and pushes the detection pin 345 out of the bracket detection pin slot 332 and the body detection pin slot 340. When the detection pin 345 is outside of the bracket detection pin slot 332 and the body detection pin slot 340, the verification lock 112 is capable of rotating around the verification lock pin 120. In some embodiments, the bracket detection pin slot 332 extends away from the connector plate 114 such that the bracket detection pin slot 332 extends past the verification lock 112. The detection pin 345 is pushed out of the body detection pin slot 340, but remains within the bracket detection pin slot 332 when the contact end 360 of the verification lock pin 120 is depressed into the first channel 352. The verification lock 112 is rotated around the verification lock pin 120 such that the extension 121 abuts the lower portion of the lock handle 110, securing the lock handle 110 in the locked position.

After the tubular has been secured downhole, the pipe elevator 100 is disengaged from the tubular by rotating the verification lock 112 around the verification lock pin 120 such that the extension 121 of the verification lock 112 is spaced apart from the lock handle 110. The lock handle 110 may then be disengaged from the locking latch 106, and the locking latch 106 may be disengaged from the catch 108. When the locking latch 106 is disengaged from the catch 108, the spring 336 drives the contact end 360 out of the first channel 352 and shifts the detection pin 345 into the bracket detection pin slot 332 and body detection pin slot 340. As previously described, when the detection pin 345 is disposed within the bracket detection pin slot 332 and body detection pin slot 340, the verification lock 112 cannot be rotated about the verification lock pin 120, indicating that the pipe elevator 100 is not properly closed.

The benefits of the latch-and-lock system 102 include the elimination of operator error due to the verification lock 112 being rotated into the unlocked position when the locking latch 106 has not yet engaged the catch 108. The detection pin 345 prevents the rotation of the verification lock 112 into the locked position until the locking latch 106 has engaged the catch 108. Therefore, the verification lock 112 may only be moved into the locked position when the locking latch 106 has engaged the catch 108, indicating that the latch-and-lock system 102 has properly secured the tubular and that the lock handle 110 cannot be disengaged from the locking latch 106.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.