IE50295B1 - Apparatus for storing and transferring drill stems to a drilling head - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for storing and transferring drill stems to a drilling head (4) of a drilling rig (1) comprises a drill stem carrier (10) having compartments (22) for storing the drill stems. Transfer means (11) with clamps (40) is pivotally and slideably mounted on the carrier (10) for transferring a drill stem from the carrier (10) and aligning it with the drilling head (4). The clamps (40) are mounted on connecting members (48 and 49) which are pivotal about an intermediate pivot shaft (52) and also an upright (15) of the carrier (10). The clamps (40) are raised by an hydraulic ram (57) connected to the intermediate pivot shaft (52) by a cable (60).

Description

The present invention relates to apparatus for storing and transferring drill stems to a drilling head of a drilling rig. It also relates to a drilling rig incorporating the apparatus. g One problem associated with known drilling rigs is the difficulty of storing and handling drill stems both on site, during drilling and also during transportation to the drilling site. Drill stems tend to be long and cumbersome and in general, two men are required to align and connect a drill stem to the drilling head and in turn to its preceding drill stem. Furthermore, even with two men, aligning with the drilling head is a difficult and slow task. This needless to say leads to undue delays which slow down the drilling operation.

Additionally, because of the problems of storing drill stems on site and during transportation, stems can easily become damaged. In general, drill stems are usually transported loose on a lorry and very often with other equipment. This, it will be appreciated, can lead to serious damage to the drill stems which of ten . ren4ers them use! ess’. Furthermore, the stems when delivered to the drilling site are usually stored lying on the ground, which needless to say leaves them vulnerable to damage.

There is therefore a need for apparatus for storing, and 2.5 transferring drill stems to a drilling head of a drilling - 3 rig.

The present invention is directed towards providing such apparatus and a drilling rig incorporating the apparatus.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for storing and transferring drill stems to a drilling head of a drilling rig, the apparatus comprising a drill stem carrier for mounting on the drilling rig, the carrier being adapted to store the stems substantially upright and having an opening for removal of the drill stems, and transfer means adapted to pick-up a drill stem from the carrier, the transfer means being pivotally connected to· the carrier for movement from a position within the carrier to a position adjacent the drilling head and being movable longitudinally relative to the carrier for removal of the stem from the carrier and alignment of the stem for engagement with the drilling head.

Advantageously, the transfer means is provided by a pair of spaced apart clamps adapted to engage and embrace a stem.

In one embodiment of the invention each clamp is mounted on one end of a connecting member, the other end of the connecting member being pivotally connected to the carrier. -4Preferably, the connecting members are pivotal intermediate their ends on an intermediate pivot shaft slideabie longitudinally relative to the carrier for relative longitudinal movement of the clamp and the intermediate pivot shaft is slideabie by a double acting hydraulic ram.

Additionally, the invention provides a drilling rig comprising the apparatus for storing and transferring drill stems to the drilling head of the drilling rig.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective, partly diagrammatic view of a drilling rig according to the invention incorporating the apparatus also according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a side view of the drilling rig of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of the drilling rig illustrating the apparatus in a different position, Fig. 4 is a plan view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a plan view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a detail similar to that of Fig. 4 of apparatus according to another embodiment IS of the invention and -5Fig. 7 is a plan view of portion of the detail of Fig. 6.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 5, there is provided a drilling rig according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The drilling rig 1 comprises a framework 2 supporting a mast 3 on which is mounted a drilling head 4. The drilling head 4 is slideable on the mast 3. Hydraulic pipes 9 deliver fluid to the drilling head 4. The drilling rig 1 is mounted by means of the framework 2 on a transporter 5. An engine 6 shown in block representation is mounted on the framework 2 and powers the drilling rig 1.

Apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 7 for storing, and transferring I® drill stems 8 to the drilling head 4 is mounted on the framework 2. The apparatus 7 comprises a drill stem carrier 10 for storing the drill stems 8 and a transfer means 11 pivotal on the carrier 10 for transferring the stems 8 from the carrier 10 to the drilling head 4. The transfer means is described in detail below. The carrier 10 comprises a base member 12, three sides 13 upstanding from the base 12 and an open side 14 for access to the drill stems 8. The sides 13 are formed by four tubular uprights 15 joined by transverse members 16. The sides 13 and 14 are closed at 2S their lower end by side walls 17 of metal plate material -6welded to the uprights 15. A dividing grid 18 to separate the drill stems 8 from each other is provided at the lower end of the carrier 10 by divider plates 19 extending between an opposing pair of side walls 17. A plurality of short sections of angle iron 21 are welded on both sides of the divider plates 19 and on the inner sides of the side walls 17 to form with the divider plates 19 and the side walls 17 storage compartment 22 for the stems 8. A plan view of the compartments 22 is illustrated in Fig. 5. A platform 23 for an operator projects outwardly from the base member 12.

The carrier 10 is pivotally mounted on the framework 2 by means of pivot pins 30 supported in brackets 31. A double acting hydraulic ram 32 connected between the framework 2 and the carrier 10 pivots the carrier from the upstanding position as shown in Fig. 1 to a horizontal position as shown in Fig. 3 for transportation of the drill stems 8. Fig. 2 illustrates the carrier 10 being pivoted between the upstanding position and the horizontal position. Hydraulic pipes 33 deliver hydraulic fluid to the ram 32.

The transfer means 11 comprises a pair of clamps 40 for engaging the stems 8. The clamps 40 which are described in detail below are connected to and pivotal on the uprights 15 adjacent the open side 14 by connecting members 47. The connecting members 47 comprise members 48 and 49 which are is pivotal relative to each other about an intermediate pivot -7shaft 52. The members 48 are rigidly connected to the shaft 52, while the shaft 52 is pivotal and slideably supported in the members 49, which are in turn pivotal on the uprights 15. The members 49 are telescopic formed by a bar 54 slideabie in an outer sleeve 55. This permits the clamps 40 to extend into the carrier 10 and also accommodates alignment of a stem with the drilling head 4.

An hydraulic ram 57 supplied with hydraulic fluid through hoses 58 rises and lowers the intermediate pivot shaft 52 by means of a cable 60. This permits the stems 8 to be raised clear of the compartments 22 and also to be entered in the drilling head 4. The cable 60 passes over a pair of pulleys 61 mounted on brackets 62 on the top of the uprights 15 and is connected to the piston rod 63 of the ram 57 by a tension spring 64. This accommodates smooth longitudinal movement of the pivot shaft 52 and also guards against the cable snapping during operation. Collars 66 on the uprights 15 prevent excessive travel of the members 49 on the uprights 15, while a collar 66 at the end of the pivot shaft 52 prevents the shaft 52 disengaging the lower member 49.

The clamps 40 each comprise a pair of jaws 70 which are pivotally connected to the members 48 by pivot pins 71, see Fig. 4. An hydraulic ram 72 connected between the jaws 70 operates •ΛΐΓ the jaws. Hydraulic hoses 73 deliver fluid to the ram 72. -8A control panel (not shown) is provided to control the delivery of hydraulic fluid to the various components, from a contral hydraulic power supply (also not shown) driven by the motor 6. In operation, the drill stems 8 are packed into the carrier 10, one stem 8 in each compartment 22. The carrier 10 is pivoted into the horizontal position as illustrated in Fig. 3 and the transporter is driven to the drill site. On site the carrier 10 is pivoted to the vertical postiion as illustrated in Fig. 1, the mast 3 and drilling ]q head 4 are also erected.

The clamps 40 of the transfer means 11 are pivoted to reach into the carrier 10 to engage a stem 8. The clamps 40 and the stem 8 are raised by means of the hydraulic ram 57, and the stem is pivoted out of the carrier and aligned with the drilling head. The stem 8 is engaged by the drilling head which drives the stem downwardly to engage its preceding stem to which it is to be attached. The clamps 40 disengage the stem 8 and are ready to pick up another stem.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7, a clamp 40 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The clamp 40 comprises a pair of jaws 70 pivotally connected to the connecting member 48 by pivot pins 71, which are supported in brackets 59 extending from the member 48. The jaws 70 are operated by a earning block 80 on the end of a piston 2S rod 71 of an hydraulic ram (not shown). The earning blocks 80 extend between the jaws 70 and engages a pair of inwardly -9directed lugs 82 and a pair of tail portions 84 extending rearwardly of the jaws 70. As the earning block is extended in the direction of the arrow C between the jaws 70 the earning block engages the lugs 82, thereby moving the jaws apart. This can clearly be seen in Fig. 7. To close the jaws the earning block is moved in the direction of the arrow A, also see Fig. 7, and the block engages the tail portions 84. The action of the earning block 80 on the tail portions 84 moves the jaws together.

It will be appreciated that while the transfer means is described as having a pair of clamps mounted on connecting members which are formed by the members 48 and 49, this is not necessary. In fact, the clamps could be mounted on to a rigid connecting member which is pivotal on the carrier. ]5 Thereby the intermediate pivot shaft would be dispensed with. Indeed, it will be appreciated that the connecting member could be pivotal on any suitable portion of the carrier, for example, it is envisaged that a separate pivot shaft mounted on the carrier could be provided if desired.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that although the connecting members have been described as being pivotal intermediate their ends about one intermediate pivot shaft, the connecting members could be pivotal about a number of 2s intermediate pivot shafts if desired.

S0295 -10It will also be appreciated that it is not necessary for the connecting members to be telescopic. Additionally, it will be appreciated that clamps with jaws other than those described could be used. In fact, any number of clamps may be used. It is envisaged that in certain cases one clamp would be adequate.

Furthermore, while in the embodiment of the invention just described the transfer means has been described as being pivotal manually, it is envisaged that the transfer means may be automatically operated, for example, by means of an hydraulic ram or the like.

It will also be appreciated that while the drill stem carrier has been described as being of a particular construction, any other suitable construction of carrier could be used. For example, it is envisaged that instead of having sides of open construction, sides of closed construction could be used. Furthermore, the carrier could be adapted to store any desired number of drill stems. It will also be appreciated that it is not necessary for the carrier to be pivotal on the framework of the drilling rig.

It will be further appreciated that it is not necessary that the drilling rig and apparatus according to the invention be mounted on a transporter. Indeed, it is envisaged that the carrier could be mounted on a ground mounted drilling -ling. It will be further appreciated that while the carrier and the transfer means have been described as being hydraulically operated, these could be operated by any suitable means.

Claims (12)

1. Apparatus for storing and transferring drill stems to a drilling head of a drilling rig, the apparatus comprising a drill stem carrier for mounting on the 5 drilling rig, the carrier being adapted to store the stems substantially upright and having an opening for removal of the drill stems, and transfer means adapted to pick-up a drill stem from the carrier, the transfer means being pivotally connected to the carrier for move10 ment from a position within the carrier to a position adjacent the drilling head and being movable longitudinally relative to the carrier for removal of the stem from the carrier and alignment of the stem for engagement with the drilling head. 15

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the transfer means is provided by a pair of spaced apart clamps adapted to engage and embrace a stem.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which each clamp is mounted on one end of a connecting member, the other 20 end of the connecting member being pivotally connected to the carrier.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which the connecting members are pivotal intermediate their ends on an intermediate pivot shaft.

5. 0 2θ5 - 13 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the intermediate pivot shaft is slideable longitudinally relative to the carrier for relative longitudinal movement of the clamp. 5

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the intermediate pivot shaft is slideable by means of a double acting hydraulic ram.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claims 3 to 5 in which the connecting members are extendable by means of a telescopic 10 connection intermediate their ends.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the drill stem carrier comprises a base member, three upstanding sides and an open side providing the opening.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the sides of the 15 carrier are of open construction formed by four tubular uprights projecting from each corner of the base member and joined by a plurality of transverse tubular members, the transfer means being pivotal on a tubular upright adjacent the open side.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims in 20 which the drill stem carrier is adapted for pivotal mounting to the drilling rig, the carrier being pivotal from an upstanding position to lie substantially horizontally on the drilling rig. 5029S - 14

11. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims when mounted on a drilling rig.

12. A drilling rig comprising the apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims for storing and transferring a drill stem to the drilling head of the drilling rig. B, Apparatus substantially as described hereinbefore with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings