WO2014063066A1

WO2014063066A1 - Fast moving drilling rig

Info

Publication number: WO2014063066A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/065705
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Bradford FULLERTON
Original assignee: TSC MANUFACTURING & SUPPLY LLC
Current assignee: TSC MANUFACTURING & SUPPLY LLC
Priority date: 2012-10-19
Filing date: 2013-10-18
Publication date: 2014-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2015-04-19

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a land drilling rig with features for fast assembly and disassembly. The land drilling rig has a sub base with side boxes that have projections that mate with recesses in a center section. The mast is a half-mast, and a mast raising cylinder connects to a lower portion of the side boxes. Power connections are color-coded, with color-coded cables and storage connections. Fluid flow equipment is connected using flexible joints, and fluid containment is provided by inflatable containment members.

Description

FAST MOVING DRILLING RIG

FIELD

[0001] Embodiments described herein relate to oil drilling operations. More specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for moving a setting up a land drilling rig quickly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Production of oil and gas is a trillion dollar industry. Producers continually seek ways to increase the speed and flexibility, and lower the cost of, production apparatus for onshore and offshore oil and gas production. Onshore, drilling rigs and support units must be disassembled into pieces that can be transported by truck to a new site or between wells on a single site (pad drilling). Such procedures can take up to three or four days, due in part to the need to align equipment so that piping can be connected, and due to the frequent need to set up cranes to aid in assembly or disassembly. There is a need in the art for methods and apparatus that allow quick assembly, disassembly, and movement of land drilling rigs.

SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments described herein provide a land drilling rig with a sub base having a center section coupled to two side boxes having projections that mate with recesses in the center section, each side box having a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a central region of an upper portion of the side box and to a central region of a lower portion of the side box; and a half-mast with a mast raising cylinder that connects to a lower portion of each side box.

[0004] The land drilling rigs described herein may include a power system with connection panels that are colored to match power sources to power consumption units. Each connection panel may have connection groups with colors to match power phases with colored cables.

[0005] Portable containment may be provided for fluid handling units. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, 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 typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0007] Figure 1 is a plan view of a land drilling rig according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2A is an end view of the sub base of the land drilling rig of Figure 1 .

[0009] Figure 2B is a detailed perspective view of the center section and a side box of the land drilling rig of Figure 1 according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2C is a close-up view of the engagement area of the sub base center section with a side box according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a side view of a side box of the land rig of Figure 1 in transportation configuration.

[0012] Figure 4 is a top view of the sub base of the land drilling rig of Figure 1 without the center section.

[0013] Figure 5 is a side view of a side box of the land drilling rig of Figure 1 in transportation configuration with the mast attached.

[0014] Figure 6 is a side view of a side box of the land drilling rig of Figure 1 in operating configuration.

[0015] Figure 7 is a plan view of a mast according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8A is a side view of a flow connection according to one embodiment. [0017] Figure 8B is a side view of the flow connection of Figure 8A in operating configuration.

[0018] Figure 9 is a side view of a flexible joint according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible joint according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a side view of a piping configuration using a flexible joint of Figures 8A-10.

[0021] Figure 12 is a top view of a piping configuration using a flexible joint according to another embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13A is a side view of a trailer with a lift according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13B is a bottom view of the trailer of Figure 13A.

[0024] Figure 13C is a detail view of a trailer lift according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 14A is a side view of a self-deploying stairway according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14B is a side view of the stairway of Figure 14A in a stowed configuration.

[0027] Figure 15A is a side view of a power module with a power unit on a trailer bed according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15B is a detail view of a connection board of the power module of Figure 15A.

[0029] Figure 16A is a perspective view of a unit disposed in a portable containment member according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view of the portable containment member of Figure 16A. [0031] 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 disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 is a plan view of a land drilling rig 100. The land drilling rig 100 can be assembled and disassembled without using cranes, and a typical duration between discontinuing operation of the rig 100 and restarting the rig 100 at another location may be as little as 24 hours. The rig 100 features a sub base 200, with a mast 102 disposed thereon. Disposed around the rig 100 is a drilling fluids mixing plant 104, a power plant 106, a recovery plant 108, a control center 1 10, a pipe yard 1 12, and crew quarters 1 14.

[0033] Figure 2A is an end view of the sub base 200 in operating configuration, except for some bracers 208 and 210 that are shown in transportation configuration to illustrate how the bracers stow for transportation. The sub base 200 has two side boxes 202 and 204, and a center section 206. An upper surface of the side boxes 202, 204 and the center section 206 together form a drilling floor 212 of the rig 100.

[0034] Each of the side boxes 202, 204 has a center support 214, 216 that projects inward toward a middle axis 218 of the sub base 200. The center supports 214, 216 receive and support the weight of the center section 206. The bracers 208 and 210 deploy to provide structural support for the side boxes 202, 204. Both bracers rotate, the bracer 208 rotating to attach to an attachment point 228 and the bracer 210 rotating to attach to an attachment point 260 as shown by arrows 226 and 262. The bracers 208 and 210 may be attached by pinning, bolting, or other attachment means. When assembled, the center section 206 clears the ground by an elevation that provides access to the well bore point (not shown in Figure 2) under the center section 206. Such access may enable installation of a blowout preventer carried by a semi trailer at the well bore.

[0035] Each of the center supports 214, 216 has a projection 220 from a shelf 222 of the center support. The projection 220 is a positioning member that is received by a corresponding recess 224 of the center section 206. A plurality of projections 220 and recesses 224 may be provided at various locations along the center supports 214, 216 and the center section 206 to secure the center section 206 to the side boxes 202, 204.

[0036] Figure 3 is a side view of the side box 202 in collapsed configuration. The side box 202 is typically collapsed for transportation, and when the side box 202 is in transportation configuration, the center section 206 is not attached, the mast 102 is not attached at the mast shoes 316, 318, and the side boxes 202, 204 are not connected together. The side box 202 has an upper section 320 and a lower section 322, which are connected by a hydraulic cylinder 302 and a plurality of bracers 304, 306, 308, and 310. The hydraulic cylinder 302 is shown in the transportation configuration in Figure 3, and bracers 304, 306, 308, and 310 are also in a transportation configuration. Bracer 306 has a first end 312 that is detached from an attachment point 314 to allow the side box 202 to be configured for transportation. Wheels are also attached the lower section 322 in transportation configuration. The mast 102 is shown attached to mast shoes 316 and 318 on the drilling floor 212 for reference. In transportation configuration, without the mast 102 attached, and when towed by a semi trailer, the side box 202 (and the side box 204, which is substantially identical in all major aspects) has a height below about 12', such as below about 1 1 ', for example below about 10'6". To place the side box 202 in an operating configuration, the hydraulic cylinder 302 is operated by supplying hydraulic pressure into a port (not shown) of the hydraulic cylinder 302 through a high pressure hose. The hydraulic pressure may be supplied by a hydraulic pump located on a truck or on a portable pad (not shown). The hydraulic pump may be powered by a dedicated generator, by the power plant 106, or by the truck.

[0037] The hydraulic cylinder 302 may be attached at a mid-point 330 of the upper section 320 and at a mid-point 332 of the lower section 322. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the weight of the mast 102 is distributed more to one side of the mid-point 330 than the other, so the weight of the mast 102 is not evenly distributed across the side box 202 in the longitudinal direction. To balance the torque on the upper section 320 at the mid-point 330 when raising the upper section 320, the two bracers 308 and 310 are attached at respective upper attachment points 324 and 326 on the side of the upper section 320 opposite the side receiving the majority of the mast weight. Respective lower attachment points 340 and 342 of the bracers 308 and 310 are aligned with respective upper attachment points 324 and 326 when the bracers 308 and 310 are in operating configuration. The bracer 304 is attached at attachment point 334 on the upper section 320 at a first end 336 thereof, while the attachment point 326 of the bracer 310 is at a second end 338 of the upper section 320. Such spacing maximizes stability of the sub base 200 by maximizing lever arm of the bracer 304 from the mid point 330. The attachment point 334 is also directly below the mast shoe 316 to provide direct support for the mast weight to minimize shear on the upper section 320.

[0038] When the hydraulic cylinder 302 is extended by application of hydraulic force, the bracers 304, 308, and 310 rotate into a vertical position. Figure 6 is a side view of the side box 202 in operating configuration. The mast 102 is omitted from Figure 6 for simplicity. The hydraulic cylinder 302 is in its operating configuration, and the bracer 306 is attached to the attachment point 314. It should be noted that each of the side boxes 202, 204 has a hydraulic cylinder such as the cylinder 302 that independently raises each of the side boxes 202, 204. The two side boxes 202, 204 may be maintained in vertical alignment during lifting by using one hydraulic source connected to the hydraulic cylinders of both side boxes 202, 204 to allow load balancing between the side boxes 202, 204 through the hydraulic system. In this way, a crew of three can raise the sub base 200 into operating configuration standing on the ground. One person operates the hydraulic pump, while two others stand ready to attach the bracers 306 to the attachment points 314 for both side boxes 202, 204, for example by pinning or bolting. Conceivably, a crew of two may also raise the sub base 200 to operating configuration if one person makes both attachments at the two attachment points 314.

[0039] Referring back to Figure 2A, the bracers 310 of each of the side boxes 202, 204 are double-members to provide stability during setup and operation of the sub base 200. The hydraulic cylinder 302 of each side box (Figure 3) is typically located midway between each member of each bracer 310 to provide balanced lift during setup of the sub base 200. The outer member of each of the bracers 310 has a first attachment point 250 for a first end 252 of each bracer 210 and a second attachment point 254 for a second end 256 of each bracer 210. When in transportation configuration, the bracer 210 is stowed against the outer member of the bracer 310 by attachment to the attachment points 250 and 254. The bracer 210, in turn, has an attachment point 258. When the bracer 208 is in transportation configuration, it is stowed against the bracer 210 by attachment to the attachment point 258. The bracers 208 and 210 of the side box 204 are shown in this configuration.

[0040] To deploy the bracers 208 and 210 to operating configuration, prior to raising the sub base 200 to operating configuration, the bracers 208 and 210 are in a near-horizontal orientation, as seen by the orientation of the bracer 310 in Figure 3. The bracer 208 is detached from the attachment point 258 and rotated to attach to the attachment point 228. This may be done manually by a person standing on the ground, because the attachment point 228 is located at an elevation of about 6'6" when the side boxes 202, 204 are in transportation configuration. The bracer 210 is then detached from the attachment point 254 and rotated to attach to the attachment point 260. The bracer 210 may telescope in length to reach the attachment point 260. A locking mechanism 264, which may be an opening for a pin or a bolt, is provided to lock the bracer 210 in place.

[0041] It should be noted that the bracers 208, 210 are deployed to operating configuration before the sub base 200 is lifted to operating configuration. In this way, the bracers 208, 210 are accessible from the ground without using a ladder or other elevation means. Consequently, the sub base 200 may be assembled and raised to operating position by a few persons without use of cranes, ladders, or any mechanism for leaving the ground.

[0042] As mentioned above, the center section 206 is secured to the side boxes

202, 204 by registration of the projections 220 of the center supports 214, 216 with the recesses 224 in the center section 206. Figure 2B is a detailed perspective view showing the relationship of the projections 220 and the recesses 224. A corner portion 502 of the center section 206 is shown elevated above the projections 220 of the upper portion 320 of the side box 202. The recesses 224 are shown in vertical alignment with the projections 220, in preparation for lowering the center section 206 onto the shelf 222 of the center support 214 (Figure 2A). Only a portion of the center section 206 is shown in Figure 2B, with two recesses 224, although four projections 220 of the side box 202 are shown. The center section 206 will typically have a recess 224 for each of the projections 220, but such correspondence is not required.

[0043] Figure 2C is a close-up view of the engagement area of a projection 220 with a recess 224. As can be seen in Figure 2C, the projections 220 may project vertically upward from the shelf 222 to engage with the recesses 224, which may be lowered onto the projections 220 to complete the engagement. The projections 220 may be tapered so that the projections 220 are easy to align with, and fit into, the recesses 224. Any misalignment between the side box 202 and the center section 206 (Figure 2B) is corrected as the projections 220 enter the recesses 224.

[0044] The projections 220 may have a first cylinder-shaped section 504 and a second cylinder-shaped section 506 joined by a frustroconical section 508. The first cylinder-shaped section 504 has a first diameter, and the second cylinder-shaped section 506 may have a second diameter different from the first diameter. The frustroconical section 508 joins the two sections having different diameters, and may have curved joints 510 and 512.

[0045] In alternate configurations, the projections 220 may have different taper modes. For example the projections 220 may have a smooth continuous taper that extends the entire length of the projections 220, or only part of the length of the projections 220.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2C, the second cylinder-shaped section 506 has a length that is about six times the length of the first cylinder-shaped section 504. The ratio of the length of the second cylinder-shaped section 506 to the first cylinder-shaped section 504 is thought to be governed by desired strength of the second cylinder-shaped section 506 in securing the center section 206 to the side boxes 202, 204, and may be between about 3 and 10. The diameter, or width, of the second cylinder-shaped section 506 may also be selected to provide a desired attachment strength to the shelf 222.

[0047] In Figure 2C, the second cylinder-shaped section 506 has a diameter about twice that of the first cylinder-shaped section 504, but the ratio of the diameter of the second cylinder-shaped section 506 to the first cylinder-shaped section 504 may be between about 1 .5 and about 4. The projections 220 develop substantial friction with the recesses 224 by virtue of the weight of the center section 206, making the engagement of the center section 206 with the side boxes 202, 204 especially stable.

[0048] The center section 206 is engaged with the side boxes 202, 204 by elevating the center section 206, maneuvering the center section 206 between the side boxes 202, 204, and the lowering the center section 206 to engage the recesses 224 with the projections 220. The center section 206 may be self- elevating, and/or a plurality of hydraulic lift members 270 may be coupled to an underside ot the center section 206 to perform the lift. In transportation configuration, the center section 206 rests on a trailer bed being towed by a semi truck. To engage the center section 206, a hydraulic source is connected to the hydraulic lift members 270 and the center section 206 is elevated above the trailer bed. The semi truck positions the center section 206 with the recesses above the projections 220. The hydraulic source is then operated to lower the center section 206 onto the projections 220. The hydraulic lift members 270 are then retracted away from the trailer bed, which is removed from between the side boxes 202, 204.

[0049] Referring back to Figure 2C, after the center section 206 is engaged with the side boxes 202, 204, a side opening 272 in the recesses 224 registers with a side opening 274 formed in the projections 220. A locking pin (not shown) may be inserted through the openings 272 and 274 to eliminate any possibility of movement between the center section 206 and the side boxes. The locking pin may be inserted by a hydraulic actuator coupled to the structural member 276 (not visible in Figure 2C), if desired, to eliminate the need for persons to access the openings 272, 274 after seating of the center section 206. The side opening 274 is shown in Figure 2C as being formed entirely through the projection 220. In an alternate embodiment, the side opening 274 may extend partially through the projection 220, so the side opening 274 defines a recess in the projection 220. In this way, a locking pin inserts through the side opening 272 into the recess in the projection 220. In such an embodiment, the side openings 272 and 274 would be only on one side of the recesses 224 and projections 220, for example on the side facing the hydraulic pin actuator coupled to the structural member 276. In another alternate embodiment, the side opening 274 of the projections 220 may be eliminated, and a locking pin inserted through the side opening 272 in the recesses 224 to contact a surface of each projection 220 to provide an additional frictional contact to prevent movement of the center section 206 with respect to the side boxes 202, 204.

[0050] The first end 336 and the mid point 330 of the side box 202 are visible in Figure 2B. The attachment point 334 is also shown. As may be seen in Figure 2B, the attachment point 334 is a double attachment point. The bracer 304 that attaches to the attachment point 334 is a double member, similar to the bracer 310 described above as a double member. The attachment point 324 is also visible in Figure 2B. The attachment point 324 may also be a double attachment point (the second attachment point 324 would not be visible in Figure 2B), and the bracer 308 that attaches to the attachment point 324 may be a double member like the bracers 304 and 310. Referring back to Figure 2A, the attachment point 326 may also be a double attachment point to accommodate the double members 310.

[0051] Figure 4 is a top view of the sub base 200 without the center section 206, showing deployment of bracers for the lower section 322 (Figure 3) of the side boxes 202, 204. Bracers 402 and 404 are typically deployed to operating configuration before the mast is raised on the sub base 200. The bracers 402 and 404 resist spreading of the lower sections 322 of the side boxes 202, 204 as the sub base 200 receives the weight of the mast. The bracer 402 is stowed against the side box 204 in transportation configuration, and is rotated to attachment point 406, as shown by arrow 426, for operating configuration. The bracer 404 is stowed against the side box 202 in transportation configuration, and is rotated to attachment point 408, as shown by arrow 428, for operating configuration. Bracers 410 and 414 are stowed against the side box 204 for transportation configuration, and are rotated to respective attachment points 418 and 422, as shown by arrows 430 and 432, for operating configuration. Bracers 412 and 416 are stowed against the side box 202 for transportation configuration, and are rotated to respective attachment points 420 and 424, as shown by arrows 434 and 436, for operating configuration. As may be apparent, operations needing semi truck access between the side boxes 202, 204, such as placing the center section 206, are completed before the bracers 402, 404 are deployed.

[0052] Figure 5 is a side view of the side box 202 in transportation configuration with the mast 102 attached and ready to be raised. The mast 102 is positioned by a semi truck and attached to the mast shoe 318. This may be done by a person on the assembled drill floor 212. Two mast shoes 318 are provided on the center section 206 for attaching the mast 102. A mast raising cylinder 510 is provided on each side of the mast 102, attached to the mast 102 at attachment points 520. The attachment points 520 are part of a support member 522 at a lower support location on the mast 102. The mast raising cylinders 510 are stowed against the mast 102 for transportation. After the mast 102 is attached to the mast shoes 318, the mast raising cylinders 510 are detached from the mast at a lower end 512 of the mast raising cylinders and rotated to attached to an attachment point 514 on the lower section of each side box 202, 204. Hydraulic power is attached to the mast raising cylinders 510, and the mast raising cylinders 510 are extended to raise the mast 102 to a standing position (Figure 3). The mast is then attached to the mast shoes 316. As noted above, the bracers 208, 210 are deployed to operating configuration after raising the mast 102 because, during raising of the mast 102, the mast raising cylinders 510 traverse through the area occupied by the bracers 208, 210 when the bracers 208, 210 are in operating configuration. After deploying the bracers 208, 210, the sub base 200 is raised to operating configuration, as described above, and the sub base mast assembly of the rig 100 is complete. After raising the mast 102, the mast raising cylinders 510 may remain connected to the attachment points 514, or if desired, the mast raising cylinders 510 may be stowed against the mast 102 in transportation configuration to optimize access around the rig 100. [0053] Figure 7 is a plan view of the mast 102. The support member 522 is shown with the attachment points 520 shown located on extensions 710 outward of the main mast structure. The top drive 704 is located within the mast structure and is connected to a carriage 706 that is coupled to vertical mast members 702 by roller bearings 708. Locating the top drive 704 within the mast structure as shown enables a mast structure that has dimensions of about 12' x 7'. In one embodiment, the mast has dimensions of 1 1 '1 1 " x 7'3". The mast 102, which may be a half-mast, is open on the side of the mast with the vertical mast member 702.

[0054] During assembly of the sub base mast structure, site modules such as tanks, power units, and other similar equipment are disposed at desired locations around the sub base mast structure. Fluid handling equipment such as mixing tanks are disposed such that piping may be connected between tanks and from tanks to the drilling floor. Mis-alignment of fluid handling equipment may result in difficulty and delay in piping connections.

[0055] Figure 8A is a side view of a flow connection 800. A first vessel 802 and a second vessel 804 are situated in proximity. The second vessel 804 has a flow member 806 with a connection 808, which may be a flange. The first vessel 802 has a flow member 816 disposed in a recess 820. A flexible joint 818 is connected to the flow member 816 and a connection member 810 with a connection 812. An end 814 of the flexible joint 818 protrudes beyond the connection 812 for mating with a connection, such as the connection 808, on another vessel.

[0056] Figure 8B is a side view of the flow connection 800 in operating configuration. The flow member 816 of the first vessel 802 is extended, and the end 814 of the flexible joint 818 is received by the connection 808 into the flow member 806. The connection between the end 814 and the flow member 806 may be sealed by heat welding, sonic welding, or adhesive. The flexible joint 818 allows a connection to be made even in the event of misalignment of the vessels 802 and 804. Such misalignment might make connection using a rigid connector such as a pipe virtually impossible, but with the flexible joint 818, misalignment of up to several inches in three dimensions, depending on the length and flex characteristics of the flexible member, may be accommodated. [0057] Figure 9 is a side view of a flexible joint 900 according to another embodiment. The flexible joint 900 is connecting the flow member 806 to the flow member 816 by a different type of connection. In Figure 9, the flow member 806 has a reduction 914 to a connector 908, and the flow member 816 has a reduction 912 to a connector 910. The flexible joint 900 has a first end 904 that fits around the connector 908 and a second end 906 that fits around the connector 910. The flexible joint 900 has a plurality of bellows 902 that allow the flexible joint 900 to flex. As with the flexible joint 800 of Figures 8A and 8B, the connections between the flexible joint 900 and the connectors 908 and 910 may be sealed by heat welding, sonic welding, or by use of adhesive. The flexible joint 900 may also be attached using clamps.

[0058] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible joint 1000 according to one embodiment. The flexible joint 1000 may be used in the configurations shown and described in connection with Figures 8A, 8B, and 9. The flexible joint 1000 has an outer member 1002 made of a compliant material, such as any rubber, plastic, or other polymeric material that has a desired flexibility. The flexible joint 1000 is normally used to connect piping as a flexible conduit for material flowing through the piping. Depending on the material flowing in the piping, the outer member may comprise a material resistant to chemical attack from the flowing material while retaining flexibility. The flexibility of the flexible joint 1000 provides a means for quickly connecting pipes that may be misaligned without having to force the ends of the pipes into substantially complete alignment for welding or flange connection. The outer member 1002 may comprise EPDM rubber, EP rubber, neoprene, butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, natural rubber, and fluoroelastomer, and may further comprise strength components such as polymeric fibers like fiberglass, polyester, and Kevlar.

[0059] The flexible joint 1000 has a first end 1010 and a second end 1012 for connecting to two flow members. At each end of the flexible joint 1000 is a connection cuff 1006 for making a connection to a flow member. The connection cuff 1006 may be a straight connection cuff that can extend over the end of a pipe or into the end of a pipe or another flow member to make a connection. The connection cuff 106 may make an internal connection, fitting inside the flow member, or an external connection, fitting around the flow member. The connection cuff 1006 may be connected to the flow member by bonding, for example using an adhesive such as an epoxy or other resin adhexive, or by welding, for example by sonic welding or heat welding. Additionally, or instead, a clamp may be applied to the connection cuff 1006 in an external connection embodiment. It should be noted that the connection cuff 1006 may make an internal connection to a flow member at one end and an external connection to a flow member at another end, if desired.

[0060] The flexible joint 1000 comprises one or more bellows 1004 that increases flexibility of the joint 1000. The bellows 1004 may have a circular or semicircular profile, or another desired profile, at an outer extremity thereof. In another embodiment, the bellows 1004 may have a rounded saw-tooth profile, a rectangular profile, a sinusoidal profile, or any other convenient profile.

[0061] The flexible joint 1000 may further comprise one or more stents 1008 that maintain the flexible joint 1000 in an open flowing configuration during deformation of the flexible joint 1000 due to bending, misalignment, and or negative pressure. The stents 1008 may be metal or plastic, depending on the strength and chemical characteristics desired, and may be embedded in the outer member 1002 or inserted into the bellows 1004, as shown in Figure 10.

[0062] The flexible joint 1000 of Figure 10 has a substantially constant inner diameter "d", but the diameter may vary according to different embodiments. The diameter "d" is the effective flow diameter of the flexible joint 1000 within the bellows

1004. In some embodiments, the diameter "d" may change linearly from the first end to the second end, if connecting to two pipes of different size. In other embodiments, the diameter "d" may change between connection cuffs 1006 having the same diameter. For example, the flexible joint 1000 may have a diameter "d" near a center of the flexible joint 1000 that is less than a diameter of the connection cuffs 1006 to compensate for pressurized fluid flowing through the flexible joint

1000. The flexible joint 1000 may also have a diameter "d" near a center of the flexible joint 1000 that is greater than a diameter of the connection cuffs 1006 to compensate for negative pressure of a fluid flowing through the flexible joint 1000. [0063] The flexible joint 1000 may have a wall thickness adapted to the type of service. The wall thickness may generally vary between about 0.10" and about 0.5", depending on the type of material used for the flexible joint 1000, the material flowing through the flexible joint 1000, the flow conditions, and the amount of misalignment to be tolerated. In one embodiment, the wall thickness of the flexible joint 1000 is about 0.25".

[0064] Figure 1 1 is a side view of a piping configuration 1 100 using the flexible joint 1000. The first end 1010 of the flexible joint 100 is shown making a bonded external connection with a pipe 1 104. The second end 1012 of the flexible joint 1000 is shown making a bonded external connection with a fitting 1 102 featuring a flange 1 106. In operation, the flexible joint 1000 allows displacement in three dimensions to compensate for mis-alignment of two pipes or flow members. A displacement "x" of the second end 1012 with respect to the first end 1010 to accommodate misalignment of the flange 1 106 with a mating flange (not shown) has a maximum value determined by the diameter "d" and a length "L" of the flexible joint 1000, and determined by the flexibility of the joint material. A ratio of the maximum displacement "x" to the diameter "d" may be proportional to the length "L", with the proportionality constant dependent on flexibility of the joint material, as determined by shear modulus and/or shear strength of the material, or possibly by strength of the bond to the pipe 1 104 and fitting 1 102. A displacement "y", orthogonal to the displacement "x", and generally along and/or parallel to an axis of the flexible joint 1000 and/or any of the pipe 1 104 and the fitting 1 102, is also accommodated by the flexible joint 1000.

[0065] For example, if two pieces of equipment are specified to be placed with piping connections 10' apart and at the same elevation, when the equipment is placed in the field, the piping connections may be 9Ί 0" apart and at elevations differing by 3". The flexible joint 1000 can compress by 2" to accommodate the spacing mis-alignment. The flexible joint 1000 can also displace laterally by 3" to accommodate the elevation difference. If there is any mis-alignment in the z- direction, orthogonal to the spacing and elevation mis-alignments, the flexible joint 1000 can displace in the z-direction to accommodate mis-alignment in three dimensions.

[0066] Figure 12 is a top view of a piping configuration 1200 using a flexible joint 1202 according to another embodiment. The flexible joint 1202 has a first end 1204 for connecting to a first flow member 1214, a second end 1206 for connecting to a second flow member 1216, and a third end 1208 for connecting to a third flow member 1218. In the embodiment of Figure 12, each of the ends has a connection cuff like the connection cuff 1006 described in connection with Figure 10. In Figure 12, each of the connections is a bonded external connection, but any of the connections may alternately be a bonded internal connection or a clamped external connection.

[0067] The flexible joint 1200 is similar in cross-section to the flexible joint 1000 described in connection with Figure 10. Made of a similar compliant material, the flexible joint 1200 has a wall thickness selected based on the needs of particular embodiments.

[0068] The ends 1204/1206/1208 are joined at a plurality of junctions 1220, which may be y-junctions or rounded y-junctions, between the bellows of each of the ends 1204/1206/1208. The embodiment of Figure 12 illustrates that a flexible joint having any desired number of ends may be used for various piping configurations where precise alignment to a rigid t-fitting, a rigid y-fitting, or a rigid multi-joint fitting may be difficult or undesirable. The piping configuration 1200 may also have an optional rigid y-fitting connected to three flexible joints like the flexible joint 1000 of Figure 10. Such an alternate configuration may be useful where stresses at the junction 1220 may exceed allowable stresses for the compliant material of the flexible joint 1202. In such an alternate configuration, each of the flexible joints may be bonded internally or externally, or clamped, as described above.

[0069] In another alternate configuration, a rigid y-shaped member may be incorporated into the flexible joint 1200. The rigid y-shaped member may be embedded within the wall of the flexible joint 1200, for example encapsulated by the compliant material of the wall of the flexible joint 1200, or the rigid y-shaped member may be adhered to the inner wall of the flexible joint 1200, for example using an adhesive such as an epoxy or other resin adhesive, or by welding. A rigid insert may be used with any configuration of multi-connection flexible joint.

[0070] The flexible joints of Figures 10-12 are generally described as joining pipes, which are generally circular in profile. Other embodiments are contemplated in which flow members or conduits having non-circular profile, for example square, rectangular, oval, and/or elliptical, are joined by flexible joints similar to those described herein. In some embodiments, two conduits having different shaped profiles may be joined by a single flexible joint having a profile that changes along its length to accommodate the two different profiles. For example, a rectangular conduit may be joined to a circular pipe using a flexible joint having a first end with a rectangular profile and a second end having a circular profile, where the profile of the flexible joint changes from rectangular to circular along its length.

[0071] The flexible joints of Figures 10-12 are usable for any field connection of flow equipment. Such flexible joints may be used, for example, to connect portable water tanks deployed at field locations. The flexible joints of Figures 10-12 may be sized to connect piping of any size, and may have diameter of about 2 inches or more, such as about 4 inches or more, for example 4 inches, 6, inches, or 8 inches.

[0072] Fast assembly and disassembly of the drilling rig 100 is aided by use of trailers that can be connected to, and disconnected from, semi trucks quickly and without use of cranes or ladders. Figure 13A is a side view of a trailer 1300 according to one embodiment. The trailer 1300 comprises a process module 1310, such as a power module, a drilling fluid mixing module, a remediation module, or a driller's cabin, mounted on a trailer bed 1302. The trailer bed 1302 is of the "rockover" type that does not need a trailer stand when disconnected from a semi. The trailer bed 1302 rests on a contact point 1306 designed to support the weight of the trailer 1300 when resting on the ground or other surface. The trailer bed 1302 has a hitch 1304 for connecting to a semi. A lift 1308 is coupled to the bottom of the trailer bed 1302 to facilitate connecting to, and disconnecting from, a semi truck. [0073] Figure 13B is a bottom view of the trailer 1300 showing the hitch 1304 and the contact point 1306. The lift 1308 shown in Figure 13B is a dual lift, but a single lift may also be used. The lift 1308 is typically located as close to the hitch 1304 as possible, with consideration given to the fact that a portion of the trailer bed 1302 between the contact point 1304 and the hitch 1302 is over the rear portion of the semi truck when the trailer 1300 is attached to the semi truck. Thus, if the lift 1308 is to be located on a portion of the trailer 1300 that is over the rear portion of the semi truck when the trailer 1300 is attached to the semi truck, the lift 1308 may be recessed into the trailer bed 1302, or the trailer bed 1302 may be elevated over the semi truck by appropriate design of the hitch, in order to prevent the lift 1308 from interfering with operation of the semi truck. In the embodiment of Figure 13B, the lift 1308 is located aft of the connection point 1304, so there is no potential for interference with the semi. Locating the lift 1308 as far forward as possible is useful to maximize lift capacity for the lift 1308.

[0074] Figure 13C is a detail view of the lift 1308. Just one of the lift members of the dual lift is shown for simplicity. The lift 1308 has a load member 1322 that provides a lifting force to the trailer 1300. The load member 1322 is attached to the trailer bed 1302 by an attachment member 1312. The load member 1322 attaches to the attachment member 1312 by a hinge 1320 that allows the load member 1322 to retract against the trailer bed 1302 when not in use and to deploy to the ground, or other support surface, to lift the trailer 1300. A foot 1318 is attached to the load member 1322 by a hinge 1324 and provides the surface contact for the lift 1308. A hydraulic cylinder 1314 is attached to the load member 1308 and to the trailer bed 1302 by a second attachment member 1312. The hydraulic cylinder 1314 is hinged to the second attachment member 1312.

[0075] In operation, the trailer bed 1302 rests on the ground or support surface at the contact point 1306. To prepare the trailer 1300 for connection to a semi truck, a hydraulic pump (not shown) is connected to the hydraulic cylinder 1314 of the lift 1308. If the lift 1308 is a dual lift, two hydraulic cylinders are connected to a single hydraulic pump to provide load balancing. The hydraulic cylinder 1314 extends, deploying the foot 1318 into contact with the ground or support surface. As the hydraulic cylinder 1314 extends further, the hitch 1304 is elevated as the trailer bed 1302 is lifted above the ground or support surface. When the hitch 1304 is at an elevation sufficient for access to a semi truck connection, the semi is positioned such that the hitch 1304 can engage the truck. When disconnecting from a semi truck, the process operates in reverse to park the trailer 1300 with the contact point 1306 resting on the ground or support surface.

[0076] Drilling rigs such as the rig 100 of Figure 1 have diller's cabins, buildings, and tanks adjacent to the drilling floor, which is elevated significantly above the ground. Stairs, or other climbing means, are routinely provided for access to such modules, and to the drilling floor. Figure 14A is a side view of a self-deploying stairway 1400 that does not require any handling equipment to position the stairway 1400 or attach the stairway 1400 to the driller's cabin or drilling floor. A driller's cabin 1402 is shown for reference, but the stairway 1400 may also be used for access to the drilling floor. The stairway 1400 has an upper landing 1404 attached to the driller's cabin 1402. A first stair section 1406 is hinged to the upper landing 1404. A lower landing 1408 is hinged to the first stair section 1406 and to a second stair section 1414.

[0077] A support 1410 is also hinged to the lower landing 1408. The support 1410 has a caster 1412 that contacts the ground or support surface to enable the support to move smoothly along the ground or support surface as the stairway 1400 is deployed. The second stair section 1414 may also have a caster, if desired. The caster 1412 of the support 1410 may include a levelling means, such as a screw or nut, to adjust the height of the support 1410 so that the slope of the first stair sectioni 406, the slope of the second stair section 1414, and/or the level of the lower landing 1408 may be adjusted. If desired, the caster 1412 may be eliminated and just a levelling means attached to the bottom of the support 1410.

[0078] In operation, the stairway 1400 is stowed for transportation by lowering the driller's cabin 1402 using any convenient means, such as a hydraulic lift or scissor lift. As the driller's cabin 1402 is lowered to the ground or support surface, the support 1410 may be deflected toward the second stair section 1414, as shown by arrow 1416, so that the lower landing 1408 comes to rest on the ground or support surface. When the driller's cabin 1402 is fully lowered, the stairway 1400 is extended along the ground or support surface, with the first stair section 1406, the lower landing 1408, the support 1410, and the second stair section 1414 extending away from the upper landing 1404. The second stair section 1414 and the support 1410 may be folded over onto the first stair section 1406, as shown by arrow 1418, and the entire assembly aligned with the upper landing 1404, as shown by arrow 1420. The folded stairway 1400 may then slide into the upper landing 1404 for transportation. The folding may be performed manually or using hydraulic or electric actuators attached to the stairway 1400 or remote from the stairway 1400.

[0079] Figure 14B is a side view of the stairway 1400 partially stowed in the driller's cabin 1402. The stairway 1400 may be stowed in a compartment under the floor of the driller's cabin 1402. When the stairway 1400 is to be deployed, the reverse of the process described above is used. With the driller's cabin 1402 in its transportation configuration, before it is raised into operating configuration, the stairway 1400 is extracted from the compartment under the driller's cabin 1402 by sliding outward. The stairway 1400 is unfolded along the ground or support surface so that the first stair section 1406, the lower landing 1408, and the second stair section 1414 and support 1410 extend along the ground or support surface away from the upper landing 1404. Handrails may be installed on the stairway 1400 while the stairway 1400 is laying on the ground or support surface, if desired. As the driller's cabin 1402 is raised to its operating configuration, the stairway 1400 rises, and the support 1410 swings into position under the lower landing 1408. The unfolding may likewise be performed manually, or using hydraulic or electric actuators. Alternately, to simplify the unfolding of the stairway, the driller's cabin may be partially lifted before unfolding to reduce the lifting required to unfold sections of the stairway 1400. Handrails may be installed on the first stair section 1406 before lifting begins. When the second stair section 1414 is unfolded, the lift may be paused to install handrails on the second stair section 1414, and on the lower landing 1408. Handrails may be bolted on and/or disposed in slots on the stairway 1400. [0080] The access means described in connection with Figures 14A and 14B are not necessarily limited to stair-type means. In an alternate embodiment, an extension ladder may be hinged to the upper landing 1404, and may slide down to the ground or support surface to deploy.

[0081] Power connections often delay assembly and disassembly of drilling rigs, such as the rig 100. Cables are often misplaced or misconnected, resulting in delays while the proper cables are found for the necessary connections and all connections are reviewed to make sure they are appropriate. Figure 15A is a side view of a power module 1500 with a power unit 1502 on a trailer bed 1504. The trailer bed 1504 may be of the same type as the trailer bed 1302 of Figure 13A, and may have a lift such as the lift 1308. The power unit 1502 is shown with a side panel removed to display a generator 1520 and a connection board 1506. Figure 15B is a detail view of the connection board 1506.

[0082] The connection board 1506 has a plurality of connection panels 1512, each with a plurality of connection groups 1510, each connection group having a plurality of connections 1508. Some of the connection panels 1512 also have storage connections 1514. Each of the connection panels 1512 has a color that matches a piece of equipment, such as the generator 1520, to be connected to that connection panel 1512. A first generator may have a first color, and a first connection panel has the same first color. A second generator may have a second color different from the first color, and a second connection panel has the same second color. In this way, it is clear which connection panel 1512 is to be connected to which piece of equipment. The colors of the connection panels are repeated among connection units for ease of routing power from a power source to a power load. The colors of the connection panels are also repeated on an output panel to match a corresponding input panel. In one embodiment, a first generator is colored yellow and a first connection panel is colored yellow, a second generator is colored blue and a second connection panel is colored blue, and a third generator is colored green and a third connection panel is colored green. A first output panel is colored yellow, corresponding to the first connection panel and the first generator, a second output panel is colored blue, corresponding to the second connection panel and the second generator, and a third output panel is colored green, corresponding to the third connection panel and the third generator.

[0083] Each connection group 1510 in one connection panel has a color different from the other connection groups 1510 in the panel. For example, a first connection panel 1512 may have a first connection group 1510 with a first color, a second connection group 1510 with a second color different from the first color, and a third connection group 1510 with a third color different from the first and second colors. The different colors of the connection groups may refer to power phases for three- phase power, or any other desired characteristic such as voltage or current. In one embodiment, the three connection groups 1510 on a connection panel 1512 are red, black, and white. Cables to be connected to the connections in a connection group may have a color matching the connection group 1510 to which the cable is to be connected. The cables may also have a color matching the connection panel 1512, or the output panel. For example, a plurality of red cables from a yellow generator may have a yellow marking or shrink-wrap on them, indicating that they are to be connected to the red connection group of the yellow connection panel. The plurality of cables to be connected to one connection group may have different connectors with different physical configurations matching different configurations of the connectors in a connection group to ensure proper connections are made. By properly matching equipment color to connection panel color to output panel color, cable color to connection group color, and cable connector to panel connector, proper connections are made quickly and efficiently.

[0084] In an alternate embodiment, instead of matching power sources painted the same color as a connection panel, power sources may be provided with connection panels having a matching color. Using the exemplary colors described above, a power source may have a yellow connection panel with red, black, and white connection groups to match a yellow connection panel on a trailer. Likewise, a power unit might have a green connection panel or a blue connection panel to match connection panels on a trailer. Connection panels matching the overall color scheme may be provided for all power source and load units on the rig 100 to simplify making power connections during rig assembly. [0085] Storage connection panels 1516 are provided in a color configuration matching the configuration of a connection panel 1512, including colors of connection groups 1510 and physical configurations of connectors 1508. The storage connection panels 1516 allow cables to be disconnected from connection panels 1512 and immediately connected to storage connection panels 1516 for transport, so that no cables are lost, damaged, or confused between disassembly and assembly. A storage connection panel 1516 is typically provided for each connection panel 1512, in matching colors so the mapping of cables to connectors 1508 is clear from storage connection panel 1516 to connection panel 1512. Auxilliary connections 1514 may also be provided to connect other power consuming devices, such as instrumentation, alarms, and motor control units.

[0086] The power connections with matching colored connection panels and connection groups, matching colored storage connection panels, with matching colored connection groups, and cables with colors that match the connection group colors and the connection panel colors form a power system that enables quick assembly, disassembly, and storage. The power system may include matching connections at all source units and all consuming units of the power system. Source units may be generator trailers, and consuming units may be variable frequency drive (VFD) trailers, top drive, draw works, rotary table, mud tanks and mixing units, recovery plants, and drillers' cabins, among other possible units.

[0087] Portable containment is provided for drill site units that may handle materials that are undesirable for release into the environment. Units such as power units, which use fuel, drilling fluids mixing plants and mud tanks, and remediation units, may utilize the portable containment described herein. Figure 16A is a perspective view of a unit 1600 disposed in a portable containment member 1602. The portable containment member 1602 has a working surface 1604, on which the unit 1600 is disposed, and an inflatable perimeter 1606. The inflatable perimeter 1606 may be a continuous chamber that is inflated or deflated at one portal, or the inflatable perimeter 1606 may have multiple chambers 1608 that may be inflated and deflated independently at separate portals. [0088] In one aspect, a separate chamber for inflation and deflation 1608 may be provided in the inflatable perimeter 1606 at a point where pedestrian or vehicle access may be desired. The access chamber may be deflated to provide ingress to, and egress from, the work surface 1604, and when access is no longer needed the access chamber may be reinflated.

[0089] Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view of the portable containment member 1602. The portable containment member 1602 is typically a durable material that may contain polymer and metal. The portable containment member 1602 may be a polymer sheet or fabric that may contain fiber or wire reinforcement. A geomembrane or high density plastic may be used. The work surface 1604 of the portable containment member 1602 may have a thickness that is the same as, or different from, a thickness of a wall of the inflatable perimeter 1606. The thickness of the work surface 1604 and the wall of the inflatable perimeter 1606 may range from about 0.05" to about 0.5", depending on the type of containment desired. Materials used to inflate the inflatable perimeter 1606 may be gas or liquid, or both, and may include air, water, nitrogen, and similar materials that are safe and environmentally neutral. In an embodiment featuring discrete inflatable chambers, a first chamber may be inflated with a first material, such as air, and a second chamber, for example an adjacent chamber, may be inflated with a second material, such as water. Use of a dense material, such as a liquid, to inflate at least part of the inflatable perimeter 1606 may improve stability of the portable containment member 1602 in windy conditions. Alternately, the portable containment member 1602 may be staked to the ground.

[0090] Use of a portable containment member 1602 reduces environmental impact of the rig 100. No earth is disturbed to provide containment around units that have the potential to release substances, and such released are contained. Since no earth is disturbed in setting up the various units, no remediation is necessary after disassembly of the rig. The size of the inflatable perimeter 1606, for example the height of the inflatable perimeter 1606, may be determined based on the area of the work surface 1604 and the volume of containment needed, which is the volume of fluid that may be held by the unit 1600. [0091] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A land drilling rig, comprising:

a sub base having a center section coupled to two side boxes having projections that mate with recesses in the center section, each side box having a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a central region of an upper portion of the side box and to a central region of a lower portion of the side box; and a half-mast with a mast raising cylinder that connects to a lower portion of each side box.

2. The land drilling rig of claim 1 , further comprising a piping configuration with a flexible joint.

3. The land drilling rig of claim 1 , further comprising an inflatable containment member.

4. The land drilling rig of claim 1 , further comprising a power unit coupled to a trailer with a hydraulic lift.

5. The land drilling rig of claim 4, wherein the power unit has color-coded power connections and color-coded cables.

6. The land drilling rig of claim 5, wherein the color-coded power connections comprise a plurality of live connections and a plurality of storage connections.

7. The land drilling rig of claim 3, wherein the inflatable containment member has a plurality of chambers that may be inflated and deflated independently.

8. The land drilling rig of claim 1 , wherein the half-mast has a dimension less than about 10 feet. y. I he land drilling rig o† claim I , wherein the side boxes are collapsible to a transportation configuration having an elevation no more than about 12 feet.

10. The land drilling rig of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of self- deploying stairways.

1 1 . A land drilling rig, comprising:

a sub base having a self-elevating center section coupled to two side boxes having upward projections that mate with recesses in the center section, each side box having a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a mid point of an upper portion of the side box and to a mid point of a lower portion of the side box;

a half-mast with a mast raising cylinder that connects to a lower portion of each side box; and

a flow member having a flexible joint.

12. The land drilling rig of claim 1 1 , wherein the self-elevating center section comprises a plurality of hydraulic lifts coupled to an underside of the self-elevating center section.

13. The land drilling rig of claim 12, wherein each of the recesses has a side opening and each of the projections has a side opening, the side opening of each recess registers with the side opening of each projection.

14. The land drilling rig of claim 13, further comprising power connections with matching color connection panels and connection groups.

15. A power system for a land rig, comprising:

a first source unit having a first connection panel of a first color, the first connection panel having a first connection group of a second color;

a first consuming unit having a second connection panel of the first color, the second connection panel having a second connection group of the second color; and a cable o† the second color having a marking of the first color.

16. The power system of claim 15, further comprising:

a second source unit having a third connection panel of a third color, the third connection panel having a third connection group of the second color;

a second consuming unit having a fourth connection panel of the third color, the fourth connection panel having a fourth connection group of the second color; and

a cable of the second color having a marking of the third color.

17. The power system of claim 16, wherein the first and second source units are generators and the first and second consuming units are VFD trailers.

18. A land drilling rig having the power system of claim 16.

19. A flexible joint for a fluid flow configuration, comprising:

a compliant member with a plurality of straight connection cuffs, each straight connection cuff separated from every other straight connection cuff by a bellows.

20. The flexible joint of claim 19, wherein each bellows comprises a stent.

21 . A piping configuration, comprising:

a first pipe bonded to a first connection cuff of a flexible joint; and a second pipe bonded to a second connection cuff of the flexible joint, wherein the flexible joint comprises a bellows between the first connection cuff and the second connection cuff.

22. The piping configuration of claim 21 , wherein the first pipe is a flanged fitting. Ζό. I he piping configuration o† claim 21 , wherein the first pipe is bonded to the first connection cuff by clamping or adhesive and the second pipe is bonded to the second connection cuff by clamping or adhesive.

24. A piping configuration, comprising:

a plurality of pipes, each pipe bonded to a connection cuff of a flexible joint, wherein each connection cuff of the flexible joint is separated from every other connection cuff of the flexible joint by a bellows.