RIG FOR WELLBORE OPERATIONS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a wellbore rig including, particularly, a wellbore rig, systems and methods for large size rigs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the oil and gas industry, rigs are used for drilling and completing wellbores. A rig for wellbore operations, such as for wellbore drilling operations, generally includes a substructure and a mast, which is alternatively sometimes called a derrick. The substructure defines a floor on which some rig operations are conducted and the mast is supported above the floor. During a wellbore operation, the substructure is supported directly or indirectly on the ground surface at the wellsite and the mast is raised extending upwardly from the substructure, above the floor.

While there are many smaller rigs available on the market, there is a desire for larger size rigs, as they can handle larger hook loads and have larger rack capacity. One smaller type of rig, for example, is known as a “double” and a larger rig type is, for example, known as a “triple”.

There is a substantial cost involved in producing a larger rig and the cost is exacerbated by there being significant investment already made in the smaller rigs. Also, even though the larger rigs are desired, their size renders them difficult to transport. Typically, the transport of a large size triple rig requires special permits, special equipment, road closures, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rig transport system comprising: a substructure package including a rig substructure with a loading rail and a lower section of a rig mast and mast raising cylinders coupled to the rig substructure; and, a mast package including an upper section of the rig mast and a skid for supporting the upper section of the rig mast.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for transporting and setting up a rig, the method comprising: transporting a substructure package to a site, the substructure package including a rig substructure with a loading rail and a lower section of a rig mast and mast raising cylinders coupled via pivotal connections to the rig substructure; transporting a mast package to the site, the mast package including an upper section of the rig mast and a skid for supporting the upper section of the rig mast; aligning the upper section of the rig mast with the lower section of the rig mast; coupling the upper section of the rig mast with the lower section of the rig mast to create a full mast; and operating the mast raising cylinders to raise the full mast to an upright position above the substructure.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for converting a substructure of a wellbore rig for use with a larger mast, the substructure including a floor and a bed laterally offset and lower than the floor, the method comprising: installing a hydraulic cylinder lug on each side of the substructure below the bed, wherein each hydraulic cylinder lug includes a lug eye and the lug eyes are positioned below the bed; and installing lugs under the floor to receive a rotatable connection of mast rear legs.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a converted substructure of a wellbore rig for use with a larger mast, the substructure comprising: a floor; a bed laterally offset and lower than the floor; a hydraulic cylinder lug on each side of the substructure below the bed, wherein each hydraulic cylinder lug includes a lug eye and the lug eyes are positioned below the bed; and lugs under the floor to receive a rotatable connection of mast rear legs.

It is to be understood that other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various embodiments of the invention are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable for other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the intent and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, several aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in detail in the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rig for wellbore operations, with the mast raised and ready for use;

FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of a substructure during conversion;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a substructure during conversion;

FIG. 2C is a side elevation view of a substructure during conversion;

FIG. 3A is a side view of a substructure package, which is a converted substructure ready for transport with the mast lower end and hydraulic cylinders installed;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the substructure package;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an upper mast separate from the rig substructure, for example, ready for transport;

FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of an upper mast ready for transport;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a substructure carried on a transport vehicle;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper mast carried on a transport vehicle;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a transport vehicle and an upper mast thereon, aligned and ready for coupling to the lower mast section;

FIG. 8A is a side elevation view of a rig with a mast fully assembled, after pinning the upper mast to the lower mast section, and where the mast is being raised toward a position shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the rig of FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 9A is an enlarged perspective view of a rig with the mast raised;

FIG. 9B is a side elevation of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is an enlarged perspective view of a rig with the mast raised and a draw works skid installed on the bed; and

FIG. 9D is an enlarged elevation of the area around the connection between the lower mast section and the upper mast.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles of various aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention in its various aspects. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and, in some instances, proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features. Throughout the drawings, from time to time, the same number is used to reference similar, but not necessarily identical, parts.

A rig for wellbore operations has been invented. Systems and methods have also been invented.

With reference to FIG. 1, a rig 10 for wellbore operations generally includes a substructure 12 and a mast 14, which is alternatively sometimes called a derrick. Substructure 12 defines a floor 16 on which some rig operations are conducted. Mast 14 is supported on the substructure and extends up from the floor. During a wellbore operation, the substructure is supported on or above the ground surface at the wellsite and mast 14 is raised extending upwardly from the substructure, above floor 16.

When comparing rigs, a larger size rig, such as a triple has a mast that is larger, for example taller, heavier and operationally capable of handling larger operations, than a smaller size rig, such as a double. Large rigs of interest herein have at least a triple mast, which may be rigid or telescopic. A rig that is the next size down from a larger rig, termed in here a smaller rig, has at most a double mast that is, for example, rigid or telescopic. Table 1 lists characteristics of the double and triple rigs.

TABLE 1
Comparison of typical rigs

	Double	Triple

Mast telescopically	About 90′ to 120′	About >120′ to 160′
extended height	Generally about 106′	Generally about 141′
(feet), when raised
Operational
differences
Hook load	300,000 to 440,000 lbs.	450,000 to 1M lbs.
Setback	280,000 to 420,000 lbs.	350,000 to 600,000 lbs.

The substructure for a double rig appears similar to a substructure for a triple rig, but the footprint may be smaller in a double than in a triple.

The present rig uses the substructure from a smaller rig and configures it for supporting a mast from a larger size rig. This enables the reuse of equipment, such as substructures, already available from the more numerous smaller rigs, while providing a rig with both the larger size mast and its functionality, and the smaller size substructure and its ease of transport.

Reconfiguration of Substructure

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 2B, a wellbore rig substructure 12 can be converted from a configuration for supporting a double mast to a configuration for supporting a triple mast.

Before and after conversion, substructure 12 includes a base 20a and walls 20b constructed of a framework of vertical supports, girders, beams and plates that support floor 16 and a bed 22. Bed 22 defines an upper planar surface that is stepped down, for example laterally spaced from and lower than, floor 16.

The mast, during use of the rig, is oriented with its long axis extending substantially vertically and the mast is supported extending upward from the floor. During set up of the present rig, the mast is initially positioned with its long axis horizontally extending over bed 22 and then the mast is raised up to the substantially vertical position. During raising of the mast, it is rotated up away from the bed and forwardly to the raised position above the floor.

During conversion, substructure 12 is adapted to accommodate and facilitate the raising of the mast and the support of the mast in the vertical position.

In particular, the conversion may include installing mast shoes 24 on the floor. Mast shoes 24 are configured to accept attachment of lowermost front legs 26a of the mast, when the mast is raised. Mast shoes 24, for example, may be eyes (aka lugs) to which lowermost front legs 26a of the mast can be secured, as by pinning. Mast shoes 24 are positioned on the other side of the rotary table 27 from a rear edge 16′ of floor 16. Even if mast shoes are already present on the original substructure, they may need to be repositioned. As the foot print of the lower end of the larger mast may be overall larger (i.e. wider and deeper) than a smaller mast, therefore mast shoes 24 may be moved further forward away from rear edge 16′ of the floor and/or further spaced apart from each other, such that they are in a correct position for accepting and connecting with the lowermost front legs 26a.

As another example, to prepare a substructure from a smaller size rig for use to support a larger size mast, a back wall 20b′ (shown in phantom) that spans substantially vertically between floor 16 and bed 20 is removed. Removal of the back wall 20b′ allows a pair of spaced apart lugs 28 to be installed in a selected position in the substructure. Lugs 28 are for receiving a pinned connection to mast lower rear legs 26b. Lugs 28 therefore act as rear mast shoes. The pinned connections create bearings between the lugs and the mast rear legs. The pair of spaced apart lugs 28 are, for example, installed below floor 16 in the area known as the cellar 17. The pair of spaced apart lugs 28 are located in the cellar nearer rear edge 16′ than front of floor 16, for example, in the space previously blocked off by back wall 20b′. While the substructure before conversion includes lugs for receiving connection of the mast, this installation of lugs, in a new position that is lower and further forward under floor than previously, facilitates the installation of lower end of mast in a lower position than previously. The lower height of mast lower end, when it is installed in substructure, permits the assembly to meet transport height limitations. Therefore, legal transport limits are met even when the bottom section of the mast is attached to substructure.

Lugs 28 are configured to retain and permit rotation of the mast's lower rear legs 26b. The eyes of lugs 28, in particular the axis of rotation within the lug eyes, are positioned in alignment with each other to create a common horizontal axis about which the legs 26b are rotated.

To accommodate the forces and loads on the lugs 28 during rotation and support of the mast, support beams 28a are added below the lugs and diagonal beams 28b are added to extend out forwardly and rearwardly from the lugs. This integrates lugs 28 into the substructure.

The spacing between lugs 28 and mast shoes 24 is selected to accommodate the spacing between the mast front legs 26a and rear legs 26b.

Portions of floor 16 may be removed to accommodate the mast rear legs. In particular, portions of the floor may be cut away from above the lugs 28 to create slots 29 into which the mast rear legs 26b are moved when rotating up about lugs 28 and when in the supported, substantially vertical orientation. There may be moveable panels to close off slots 29 before and after the mast rear legs 26b are pivoted up, thereby to prevent a safety hazard on the rig floor.

Additionally, a hydraulic cylinder mounting lug 30 is installed in the substructure framework below bed 22. In one embodiment, there are two spaced apart lugs 30, each of which receives connection to a mast-raising hydraulic cylinder 31 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2A). The two lugs 31 may be separated to be positioned one on each side of the substructure. Some framework components, such as diagonals 20b″, may be removed to make room for the hydraulic cylinder mounting lugs 30, which may be spaced apart to almost the full width of the substructure.

Lug eyes 30′ are aligned and create a horizontal axis about which the cylinders pivot when the mast is raised. Lug eyes 30′ may be positioned below the upper planar surface, for example under walkways, defined by bed 22 in order to create sufficient space for the cylinders to reside between the substructure and the mast, when the mast is lowered. These hydraulic mast cylinder supports are added to allow the large three stage mast cylinders to remain on substructure, with the correct geometry to raise the mast.

In prior rigs, there may be telescopic double cylinders, but they are not transported on the substructure. Instead, they remain on the draw works carrier during transport. The lugs for cylinders on prior rigs may be at or above the level of bed 22 and positioned between the walkways.

Cellar 17, within substructure and under floor 16, may be modified to create more space for the larger equipment of a triple rig. For example, some framework members may be removed to create more space for a blow out preventor 7 (BOP). The new substructure adds more working room and the ability to place larger BOP's in the cellar than a typical telescopic double design.

In one embodiment, a loading rail 21 that extends into the cellar is modified to create more room in the cellar. Loading rail 21 is a skid on which substructure 12 is loaded and supported on a truck during transport. Loading rail 21 is actually a pair of rails, with the rails of the pair of rails being spaced apart and extending along a straight, elongate axis from a rear end of the substructure forwardly into the cellar. To configure the substructure ready for accommodating the larger triple rig equipment, the front end 21a of each loading rail, which are the ends within the cellar, is cut off and reconnected via a pivotal connection 21b. The pivotal connection is configured such that the front end 21a of each rail can pivot, arrow P, between an operable position (FIG. 2A) and a stored position (FIG. 2C). In the operable position, the loading rail is ready for use to load and support the substructure on a truck bed for transport. In the operable position, the length of the front end is axially aligned with the length of the rest of the rail and front end 21a is secured in this position through a releasable pin at connection 21b and a pinned connection 21c to substructure. In the stored position (FIG. 2C), the front ends 21a are rotated about connection 21b out of alignment with the rest of the rail. As such, front ends 21a are folded back, for example down and back, towards the rest of the rail, leaving more space in the cellar.

In one embodiment, the rails of the loading rail 21 are connected by cross rods 21c on both the loading rail rear end and the forward end. Pivotal connections 21b can be configured in alignment, to permit pivotal rotation about a common axis, so that the entire front end, including the rail ends and the cross rod between them, can be rotated down and back in unison, in one pivotal operation.

The ends 21a remain in the stored position (FIG. 2C) during use of the rig, until it is time to move the substructure again. To prepare for use of the loading rail for loading and supporting the substructure on a transport vehicle, the ends 21a are rotated about pivotal connections 21b back into the operable condition (FIG. 2A).

As such, in the converted substructure 12, loading rail 21 includes front ends 21a within the cellar, under floor 16, that are coupled via a pivotal connection 21b to the rest, (i.e. the rear end) of the loading rail. The pivotal connection 21b is configured such that the ends 21a can be rotated down out of alignment with the rest of the loading rail, thereby making room in the cellar.

There may be other modifications made to substructure 12, as well, including:

• • the installation of reinforcements in the framework under floor 16, where for example, additional vertical beams and plates may be added under rear edge 16′. When used with a smaller mast, a smaller rig substructure need only support substantially less hook loads and set back capacities. Reinforcements are required to support the triple mast higher hook loads and set backs. For example, the setback support has to be increased to accommodate hook loads of 420,000 lbs to 600,000 lbs;
  • mud lines may be rerouted;
  • rotary table 27 may have a similar size as between a triple and a double, but can be upgraded during the conversion if desired; and
  • bed 22 may be reinforced to support larger equipment necessary for the larger rig. For example, surface plates or further beams may be added on either side of the wrench lift to support the draw works skid 40. The reinforcements are required for accommodating the raising loads generated by mast cylinders 31.

After the conversion, the substructure 12 is ready for receiving a mast larger than the mast originally intended to be installed thereon. In particular, the substructure has lugs 28 for coupling with and supporting rotation of the mast on its rear legs 26b, a hydraulic cylinder mounting lug 30 on each side of the bed 22, where the lug eyes 30′ are positioned below the bed upper surface, below walkways, and the lugs 30 are intended to support hydraulic cylinders for driving rotation of the mast about lugs 28. Substructure 12 may also include a reinforced floor, a reinforced bed, repositioned mast shoes 24, more internal space for the BOP, rerouted mud lines, etc.

The conversion operations can be carried out in any order.

Facilitated Transport

Alternatively or in addition to the above-noted conversion, a rig and transport system can be provided as shown in FIGS. 3A to 9C. To facilitate transport of a larger rig, a lower section 14a of the mast is coupled to and transported with substructure 112, while the remainder, upper section 14b of the mast is transported separately from the substructure.

Substructure 112 may be a converted substructure, as described above, or may be any other substructure. Regardless, substructure 112 includes a base 20a and walls 20b constructed of a framework of vertical supports, girders, beams and plates that support floor 16 and a bed 22. Bed 22 is stepped down, for example laterally spaced from and lower than, the floor.

Lower section 14a of the mast is coupled to and transported with substructure 112. In one embodiment, the mast raising cylinders 31 are also installed on the substructure. The mast cylinders are, therefore, transported with the substructure 112. The mast lower section and cylinders are not only coupled to the substructure but also are all secured together in a ready-for-use configuration. Therefore, mast's lower rear legs 26b may be pinned on lugs 28 in a condition ready for being driven to rotate and mast raising cylinders 31 may be operationally coupled between the substructure lug 30 and another lug 41 on the lower section 14a of the mast. As such, cylinders 31 are ready, when powered, to rotate the mast lower section 14a about their pinned connection to lugs 28. This greatly reduces the complexity of set up of the rig, as the mast lower section, and particularly the cylinders 31, are already connected via pins at lugs 30 to the substructure during transport.

A support leg 42 may be provided to support mast lower section 14a outboard end on the bed 22, when the mast is in the transport position. Support leg 42 may be coupled to mast lower section such that leg 42 raises up with the mast out of the way during set up of the rig.

Base 20a of the substructure 112 is formed as or includes a base skid 44. Skid 44 extends between the front and the rear of the substructure. Substructure 112 also includes loading rail 21 extending from the cellar to the rear, for resting on a truck bed during transport. There is no skid or loading rail on or for the lower mast section 14a, as section 14a is transported in a condition already installed on the substructure and is not separately transported.

Mast upper section 14b may be a telescoping mast section, such as is shown. For transport, mast upper section 14b is releasably coupled to a skid 46. Skid 46 has a front end at a position below a lower end 14b′ of mast upper section 14b and skid has a length that extends towards the upper end 14b″. Skid 46 includes risers 46a on which the mast 14b is supported and releasably coupled.

There are first connectors 18a on an outboard end 14a′ of mast lower section 14a of the mast and second connectors 18b on lower end 14b′ of mast upper section 14b. The connectors 18a, 18b are selected such that they fit together to securely but releasably couple the mast upper section 14b to the mast lower section 14a. In one embodiment, connectors 18a, 18b are configured to create a strong but releasable pinned connection.

The connection between connectors 18a and 18b is made after transport, when the substructure is in position and the operator is ready to raise the mast.

Thus, a rig transport system includes (i) a substructure package 212 (FIGS. 3A and 3B), which is substructure 112 with skid 44, lower section 14a coupled to the substructure and cylinders 31 coupled between the substructure and mast lower section 14a in a coupled condition that is ready to lift the lower section about its coupling to the substructure, when powered, and (ii) a mast package 214 (FIGS. 4A and 4B), which includes at least the mast upper section 14b and a skid 46 for that section and possibly the top drive 48 and drilling line reel 50. During transport, these packages 212, 214 are separate. In other words, the mast upper section is not coupled to mast lower section and is not coupled to the cylinders 31. However, the packages 212, 214 and their constituent parts are constructed together to form the center section after a rig move.

Typically, the total weight of mast 14a, 14b, and cylinders 31 is heavier than a substructure without the mast parts and, therefore, mounting the lower mast section 14a on the substructure beneficially redistributes the weight of the rig. In particular, the weight of the mast package is reduced by the weight of the lower section 14a and cylinders 31.

In addition, because the mast lower section, which has the largest footprint along the mast, and the cylinders, which previously had to fit between the skid and the mast, are moved to the substructure, the height of the mast package H₂₁₄ still within road travel regulations, while having the mast lower end coupled thereto. Table 2, below, shows typical weights and heights of transported structures.

TABLE 2
Typical weights and heights of transported structures

	Prior Art Rig	New Rig

Substructure	(substructure only)	(212 incl. substructure 112, mast section 14a, cylinders 31)
package	Weight 100,000 lbs	Weight 121,000 lbs
	Height 14′ 10″	Height (H212) 15′ 1″
	On truck height 15′ 6″	On truck height 15′ 9″
Mast package	(includes entire mast, cylinders and draw works)	(214 includes upper mast section 14b and top drive)
	Weight 150,000 lbs, no top drive	Weight 123,000 lbs incl. top drive of 30,000 lbs
	Height 13′ 6″	Height (H214) 13′ 3″ incl. top drive
	Height 14′ 2″ incl. top drive	On truck height 16′ 1″
	On truck height 16′ 4″

Each package may include other equipment in addition to that described above. For example, mast package 214 can include top drive 48, drilling line reel 50, etc.

In one embodiment, the mast package 214 includes a deadline anchor 51a secured to the upper mast 14b. The deadline anchor is secured near lower end 14b′ of the upper mast and remains secured during transport of the upper mast. As such, in mast package 214, deadline anchor 51a remains secured in place on the lower end of the upper mast. As a result, even during transport, the drilling line can remain reeved in the rig, for example, wound on deadline anchor 51a and extending from there up to the sheaves of the crown block and reeved back and forth between the crown block sheaves and the traveling block multiple times.

Reel 50, with drilling line wound thereon, can also be carried on the mast package. The drilling line, therefore, can remain in place even during transport, extending from the deadline anchor to the reel. This configuration of deadline anchor 51a secured near lower end 14b′ of the upper mast even during transport and reel 50 being carried along with the mast package, facilitates set up of the rig.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of substructure package 212 and mast package 214 can be loaded on a conveyance, such as a transport truck flatbed 52, or train car and can be transported to a new site on the conveyance. A first conveyance may carry the substructure package and a second conveyance may carry the mast package, as the packages are separate. Loading substructure package 212 onto the conveyance may include pulling on an end of loading rail 21, while loading rail 21 is in the operable position.

The rig transport system may include other transported structures, such as a draw work skid 40, pipe racks 62, driller's shed 64, etc.

When the conveyances, such as transport trucks, arrive at a new site, the substructure package 212 can be unloaded from the conveyance and positioned over the location of proposed or actual well center. Unloading substructure package 212 from the conveyance may include pulling on an end of loading rail 21, while loading rail 21 remains in the operable position.

After unloading the substructure, loading rail ends 21a may be pivoted, for example down and rearwardly, into the stored position to increase the open space in the cellar and the BOP and other equipment may be loaded into the cellar.

Also after unloading the substructure and as shown in FIG. 7, the transport truck carrying the mast package 214 can be positioned to unload the mast package from flatbed 52 onto a temporary support structure at the end of bed 22. Lower end 14b′ of mast upper section 14b is then aligned to extend at outboard end 14a′ of mast lower section 14a. Then the mast upper section 14b is securely coupled to mast lower section 14a. In particular, first connectors 18a on outboard end 14a′ of mast lower section 14a are coupled together with second connectors 18b on mast upper section 14b (FIG. 9D). Other lines such as power and hydraulics lines are connected at the interface of the mast sections.

Where the upper mast package includes the drilling line reel 50, it may be moved off the mast package onto the rig and skid 46 may be removed.

Drilling line reel 50, for example, can be picked up and moved down to a position alongside the substructure 112. In an embodiment where mast package 214 includes deadline anchor 51a already secured to the upper mast 14b, the drilling line can already be in place reeved in the mast. When the reel 50 is moved, the drilling line can be unwound from the reel. The drilling line then extends from the reel up to the deadline anchor. A sheave 51b may be provided near the upper end 14a′ of the lower mast section 14a (FIG. 9D). Sheave 51b may be used to guide the drilling line between the reel and the deadline anchor. In particular, sheave 51b may be secured on an underside of the platform on upper end 14a′ of lower mast section and positioned in substantial alignment with the drilling line extending from the clamp end. There may be a slot and opening in platform through which the drilling line can pass from anchor 51a to sheave 51b. Sheave 51b can guide the drilling line into the deadline anchor. After the mast sections are connected, sheave 51b can be unpinned and the drilling line threaded therethrough. While previously the deadline anchor had to be installed, and the drilling line wound onto anchor 51a and reeved through the blocks, during set up of the rig, the present mast configuration includes these components already installed in the mast during transport and, thereby, offers facilitated operations.

Then, the operator is ready to raise the mast. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, cylinders 31 are driven to rotate the mast lower section 14a, and specifically legs 26b, about lugs 28 to raise the mast, including both mast lower section 14a and mast upper section 14b. Legs 26b rotate into the slots on the floor 16. Support leg 42 raises up with the mast to be out of the way after set up of the rig.

Once the mast in is an upright position, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, legs 26a can be secured to the mast shoes 24. Other lines such as power and hydraulic lines are connected to power the mast. If mast is a telescoping mast, the uppermost section can be driven up to its full height, as shown in FIG. 1.

Other equipment, such as draw works skid 40 may be moved onto or alongside the rig. The drilling line reel 50 can be driven to pull the line into some degree of tension, so it does not lay on the rig. The “fast line” end of the drilling line, which may already be in place on the rig upper section as transported, is pulled over and connected to the draw works drum on skid 40.

CLAUSES

• • A. A rig transport system comprising:
    • a. a substructure package including a rig substructure with a loading rail and a lower section of a rig mast and mast raising cylinders coupled to the rig substructure; and,
    • b. a mast package including an upper section of the rig mast and a skid for supporting the upper section of the rig mast, optionally wherein the mast package includes a deadline anchor installed therein and the drilling line reeved in the upper section of the rig mast.
  • B. The rig transport system according to any one or more of clauses A-N further comprising a first conveyance carrying the substructure package and a second conveyance carrying the mast package.
  • C. The rig transport system according to any one or more of clauses A-N wherein the rig substructure includes lugs and the lower section of the rig mast includes legs rotatably mounted on the lugs.
  • D. The rig transport system according to any one or more of clauses A-N wherein the lower section of the rig mast includes an outboard end opposite the legs and connectors on the outboard end for releasably coupling with the upper section of the rig mast.
  • E. A method for transporting and setting up a rig, the method comprising:
    • a. transporting a substructure package to a site, the substructure package including a rig substructure with a loading rail and a lower section of a rig mast and mast raising cylinders coupled via pivotal connections to the rig substructure;
    • b. transporting a mast package to the site, the mast package including an upper section of the rig mast and a skid for supporting the upper section of the rig mast;
    • c. aligning the upper section of the rig mast with the lower section of the rig mast;
    • d. coupling the upper section of the rig mast with the lower section of the rig mast to create a full mast; and
    • e. operating the mast raising cylinders to raise the full mast to an upright position above the substructure.
  • F. The method according to any one or more of clauses A-N further comprising: after transporting the substructure, pivoting a front end of the loading rail toward a rear end of the loading rail, thereby increasing room within a cellar of the substructure.
  • G. The method according to any one or more of clauses A-N wherein operating the mast raising cylinders is conducted directly through the pivotal connections already in place during transporting the substructure package.
  • H. The method according to any one or more of clauses A-N wherein operating the mast raising cylinders raises rear legs of the lower section of the rig mast into slots on a floor of the rig and further comprising connecting front legs of the lower section of the rig mast onto shoes on the floor.
  • I. A method for converting a substructure of a wellbore rig for use with a larger mast, the substructure including a floor and a bed laterally offset and lower than the floor, the method comprising:
    • a. installing a hydraulic cylinder lug on each side of the substructure below the bed, wherein each hydraulic cylinder lug includes a lug eye and the lug eyes are positioned below the bed; and
    • b. installing lugs under the floor to receive a rotatable connection of mast rear legs.
  • J. The method according to any one or more of clauses A-N further comprising: removing an end wall between the floor and the bed to provide access to a space under the floor where the lugs are installed.
  • K. The method according to any one or more of clauses A-N further comprising: removing a portion of the floor above each of the lugs to create open slots in a rear edge of the floor.
  • L. The method according to any one or more of clauses A-N further comprising: removing an end of a loading rail within a cellar under the floor and reconnecting the end with a pivotal connection, such that the end is pivotally moveable toward a rear end of the loading rail.
  • M. The method according to any one or more of clauses A-N further comprising: connecting a hydraulic cylinder to each hydraulic cylinder lug, connecting a rig mast lower section onto an outboard end of each hydraulic cylinder and connecting rear legs of the rig mast lower section to the lugs under the floor.
  • N. A substructure of a wellbore rig, the substructure comprising:
    • a. a floor;
    • b. a bed laterally offset and lower than the floor;
    • c. a hydraulic cylinder lug on each side of the substructure below the bed, wherein each hydraulic cylinder lug includes a lug eye and the lug eyes are positioned below the bed;
    • d. lugs under the floor to receive a rotatable connection of mast rear legs;
    • e. a hydraulic cylinder coupled to each hydraulic cylinder lug; and
    • f. a rig mast lower section coupled onto an outboard end of each hydraulic cylinder and including rear legs rotatably coupled to the lugs under the floor;
    • and optionally any of the clauses A to M.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such as by use of the article “a” or “an” is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”.