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US20160010406A1 - Multi-stage pressure control dump valve assembly for torque control operations - Google Patents

Multi-stage pressure control dump valve assembly for torque control operations Download PDF

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Publication number
US20160010406A1
US20160010406A1 US14/793,927 US201514793927A US2016010406A1 US 20160010406 A1 US20160010406 A1 US 20160010406A1 US 201514793927 A US201514793927 A US 201514793927A US 2016010406 A1 US2016010406 A1 US 2016010406A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
torque
pneumatic
conduit
valve
pilot
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/793,927
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English (en)
Inventor
Kris Henderson
Lee J. Matherne, JR.
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Premiere Inc
Original Assignee
Premiere Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Premiere Inc filed Critical Premiere Inc
Priority to US14/793,927 priority Critical patent/US20160010406A1/en
Publication of US20160010406A1 publication Critical patent/US20160010406A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/16—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
    • E21B19/165—Control or monitoring arrangements therefor
    • E21B19/166—Arrangements of torque limiters or torque indicators
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/16—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
    • E21B19/161—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints using a wrench or a spinner adapted to engage a circular section of pipe
    • E21B19/164—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints using a wrench or a spinner adapted to engage a circular section of pipe motor actuated

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for controlling torque forces during pipe string assembly operations in various industrial applications such as, for example, in the oil and gas industry. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a dump valve system for use in torque control systems utilized during make-up of threaded collar and pipe connections.
  • pipe such as, for example, drill pipe, casing or tubular workstring
  • joints can be installed into a well bore in a number of separate sections of substantially equal length, commonly referred to as “joints.”
  • the joints which generally include threaded connections at each end, are typically joined end-to-end at the earth's surface (frequently from a drilling rig) in order to form a substantially continuous “string” of pipe that reaches downward into a well bore.
  • additional sections of pipe are added to the upper end of the pipe string at the earth's surface (typically at a drilling rig or other similar facility) in order to increase the overall length of the pipe string and its penetration depth in a well bore.
  • the addition of pipe sections at the earth's surface is repeated until a desired length of pipe is inserted into the well bore.
  • the process of installing a string of pipe in a well is typically commenced by lowering a first section of pipe into a wellbore at a drilling rig floor, and suspending said section of pipe in place using a set of “lower slips.” In this position, the uppermost end of said first section of pipe is generally situated a few feet above the rig floor. Thereafter, a second section of pipe is lifted within a drilling rig derrick and suspended vertically within said derrick; the second section of pipe is then positioned in linear alignment above the first section of pipe suspended there below.
  • the lower end of said hanging second pipe section is then lowered or “stabbed” into the upper end of said first pipe section.
  • torque is applied to the second pipe section using a power tong or other device, in order to make up (that is, screw together) mating threaded connections of said first and second pipe sections.
  • said power tong is powered using hydraulic or other fluid.
  • said lower slips can be disengaged.
  • the attached pipe sections (suspended from a rig's traveling block or top drive unit) can be lowered further into the well.
  • said lower slips can be reengaged in order to safely suspend such pipe within the well bore. The process can then be repeated until a desired length of pipe is run into the well.
  • Conventional torque control systems used during pipe installation operations generally comprise a rotational sensor (frequently mounted to a power tong) to measure pipe rotation during connection make-up, a load cell or other torque measurement sensor to measure the amount of applied torque on the connection, and a computer that logs and compares such measured torque to the accumulated turns. The computer then uses this information to predict the torque rise as the threaded connection is made up. When the computer determines that such optimum connection torque has been reached, the computer sends a signal to said power tong assembly to cease the application of torque on the pipe.
  • said computer can send a “dump” signal to a valve that is connected to an input conduit supplying pressurized power fluid to said tong, as well as an outlet conduit extending from said tong into a reservoir or storage tank, thereby forming a bridge between said conduits and a fluid bypass to said tong.
  • said valve receives a “dump” actuation signal from said computer, said valve opens, thereby allowing pressurized fluid (that was previously driving the tong) to bypass the tong and be diverted via said output conduit to said tank.
  • said “dump” process is triggered, the tong ceases applying torque forces to the pipe.
  • such conventional fluid dump valves are operated using an electronic (or partially electronic) system.
  • the computer sends an electronic signal to a solenoid.
  • the solenoid is actuated which, in turn, shifts said valve.
  • fluid flow from the inlet or supply line of the tong is diverted to the outlet or tank line, thereby bypassing said tong.
  • dumping action typically includes a built-in time delay; frequently, this delay can be in a range between 50 ms and 100 ms.
  • specialized computer software includes a “look ahead” feature that attempts to anticipate when optimal torque levels will be reached.
  • torque forces can rise very rapidly.
  • a dump signal may not be sent fast enough to stop thread damage from occurring.
  • the system should permit the dumping of pressurized power fluid supplying a power tong or other torque application device to occur, without significant delay, when predetermined measured values are obtained.
  • the present invention comprises a “dump” system for use with hydraulically powered tongs utilized to apply torque to threaded connections during pipe installation operations.
  • the dump system of the present invention is controlled by a computer having a data processor that can monitor and analyze rotations and torque of each pipe section that is being assembled within a pipe string. Specifically, the dump system of the present invention quickly and efficiently dumps hydraulic energy that is feeding a power tong once a predetermined optimum torque for a threaded connection is achieved.
  • the present invention comprises a pilot-operated relief valve that uses the same hydraulic fluid power that is powering a hydraulic tong as a power source to shift a bypass dump valve.
  • the dump system of the present invention can operate in “real-time” with little or no delay time observed with conventional dump systems.
  • the dump system of the present invention can actuate in as little as (2) milliseconds, thereby allowing a cross-threading incident to be stopped before any damage occurs to the threads.
  • the dump system of the present invention permits maximum operating pressure to be set at a significantly lower level than conventional dump systems.
  • Such lower pressure beneficially allows for the maximum system pressure to be set at or below a maximum torque capability of a threaded connection, therefore providing a redundant safety factor in an event of a computer failure or other unanticipated problem during pipe connection operations.
  • torque control dump system of the present invention is used primarily in connection with rig-based pipe installation operations (that is, in the field), it is to be observed that said torque control dump system can also be used with bucking units or other pipe connection operations performed in shops, facilities or other locations.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the dump valve bypass assembly of the present invention incorporated within a tubular assembly system.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a multi stage dump valve assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a dump valve remote control assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the dump valve assembly of the present invention during make-up of a threaded pipe connection.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a schematic illustration of said dump valve assembly of the present invention when a dump signal is sent from a torque-turn computer to actuate said dump valve assembly.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the dump valve bypass assembly of the present invention incorporated within a tubular assembly system used, for example, during the installation of tubular goods in a well.
  • Numbered elements depicted in FIG. 1 comprise the following:
  • a fluid power source 401 is in fluid communication with motor 502 used to drive a torque imparting device, such as a set of conventional power tongs, used to assemble mating threaded connection members of pipe sections.
  • a torque imparting device such as a set of conventional power tongs
  • such power fluid comprises hydraulic fluid.
  • motor 502 is hydraulically powered, and fluid power source 401 comprises a hydraulic pump. Hydraulic fluid is supplied from said fluid power source (pump) 401 through fluid supply line or conduit 109 and manually operated control valve 501 , to tong hydraulic motor 502 . Hydraulic fluid leaves said tong hydraulic motor 502 via hydraulic outlet line or conduit 110 , through manually operated control valve 501 to hydraulic fluid reservoir 402 .
  • hydraulic fluid returned to hydraulic fluid reservoir 402 can be filtered and/or otherwise conditioned and returned to fluid power source (pump) 401 as part of a closed-loop hydraulic fluid system.
  • Load cell 302 serves as a sensor to measure torque forces applied by tong motor 502 (via a set of power tongs) to a pipe section having a threaded connection member, which is being threadably connected to another mating pipe section.
  • Data measured by load cell 302 is transmitted via load cell signal line 302 a , which typically comprises a data conducting wire, to a computer 300 having a data processor.
  • rotary encoder member 301 serves as a sensor to measure speed, direction and/or rotation of said section of pipe being threadably connected to another mating pipe section.
  • Data measured by rotary encoder member 301 is transmitted via rotary encoder signal line 301 a , which is typically a data conducting wire, to said computer 300 .
  • Computer 300 is operationally connected to dump valve remote control assembly 200 which, in turn, is operationally connected to multi-stage dump valve assembly 100 of the present invention as more fully described below.
  • Said multi-stage dump valve assembly 100 is in selective fluid communication with hydraulic supply conduit 109 and hydraulic outlet conduit 110 .
  • FIG. 2 depicts a schematic illustration of said multi-stage dump valve assembly 100 of the present invention.
  • said multi-stage dump valve assembly 100 includes, without limitation, a piloted main relief valve, a pneumatic three way valve, a full pressure pneumatic dump signal, a power tong, and a hydraulic power unit.
  • Numbered elements depicted in FIG. 2 comprise the following:
  • FIG. 3 depicts a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the dump valve control assembly 200 of the present invention. Numbered elements depicted in FIG. 3 comprise the following:
  • FIG. 4 depicts a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the dump valve assembly of the present invention during assembly of a threaded pipe connection
  • FIG. 5 depicts a schematic illustration of said dump valve assembly when a dump signal is sent from a torque-turn computer to actuate said dump valve assembly.
  • rig air blower 600 generates pneumatic air pressure which is sent to dump valve control assembly 200 .
  • said pneumatic air pressure passes through inlet 203 a into main filter/regulator/lubricator 203 , which ensures that rig air entering the pneumatic control system meets desired cleanliness and pressure requirements.
  • Said pneumatic air pressure exiting filter/regulator/lubricator 203 is split via conduits 203 b and 203 c ; pneumatic air pressure in conduit 203 b is sent to solenoid operated three way air valve 201 having electrically operated solenoid 201 a , while pneumatic air pressure in conduit 203 c is sent to precision air regulator 202 .
  • Electrical conducting line 201 b provides an electric dump signal from torque control computer 300 to electrically operated solenoid 201 a of three way air valve 201 .
  • Hydraulic pressure gauge 204 reads output hydraulic pressure from sensing line 106 .
  • a hydraulic relief valve 101 is set with a pneumatic operated pilot relief valve 102 ; actuation of pneumatic pilot relief valve controls operation of hydraulic relief valve 101 .
  • Pneumatic pressure provided via conduit 105 is a regulated pressure signal that regulates the hydraulic pressure based on a desired ratio (typically approximately 50:1) that allows for a low pressure pneumatic signal to convert into a high pressure hydraulic pressure signal. (As a result of this ratio, a relatively small amount of pneumatic pressure can offset a much greater amount of hydraulic pressure).
  • the pneumatic signal line 105 is broken by an air piloted three way valve 103 .
  • a pneumatic pressure signal from conduit 105 passes through valve 103 at inlet port 103 a to outlet port 103 b , and is connected to pilot relief valve 102 at pilot valve inlet 102 c .
  • Load cell sensor 302 measures torque forces applied by tong motor 502 (via a set of power tongs) to a pipe section having a threaded connection member, which is being threadably connected to another mating pipe section.
  • rotary encoder member 301 serves as a sensor to measure speed, direction and/or rotation of said section of pipe being threadably connected to another mating pipe section, while data measured by rotary encoder member 301 is transmitted via rotary encoder signal line 301 a to said computer 300 .
  • an electronic signal is sent from computer 300 via line 201 b to electrically operated solenoid 201 a .
  • Said electrically operated solenoid 201 a actuates valve 201 .
  • a pneumatic dump signal is sent via dump signal conduit 104 to full pressure unregulated pilot signal inlet 103 d of pneumatic three way valve 103 .
  • said three-way valve 103 shifts, thereby connecting valve air outlet 103 b to exhaust port 103 c , which is vented to atmosphere.
  • piloted relief valve assembly 101 With said valve 103 shifted, regulated air pilot signal via line 105 is blocked. As such, regulated pneumatic pressure from line 105 that was holding pneumatic pressure on air pilot inlet 102 c of pilot relief valve assembly 102 is vented, and pneumatic pressure from line 105 is no longer held on air pilot inlet 102 c . Without such pilot air held on pilot relief valve assembly 102 , said relief valve assembly 102 shifts. When this occurs, pneumatic pressure on piloted relief valve assembly 101 is bled off, thereby causing said piloted relief valve 101 to open.
  • hydraulic fluid in hydraulic supply conduit 109 flows through hydraulic bridge or bypass (supply) conduit 101 c , open relief valve 101 , and hydraulic bridge or bypass (return) conduit 101 d .
  • Said hydraulic fluid exits said conduit 101 d via return line 110 .
  • supply hydraulic fluid used to power tong motor 502 (which imparts torque forces to a threaded connection of a pipe section) can be quickly and efficiently dumped or bypassed around said motor 502 in order to cease the application of torque to said threaded connection.
  • utilizing the same hydraulic energy that is also used to operate the power tong (and which is already present in the system) in order to shift the bypass/relief valve once pneumatic pilot pressure 105 is vented from pilot valve 102 c insures a fast-acting relief valve actuation that quickly opens the bypass/relief valve and removes the hydraulic energy (supply) from the power tong during thread assembly operations.
  • Conventional dump valves use components that must be energized in order to supply the force necessary to shift a bypass or “dump” valve.
  • the present invention utilizes hydraulic energy that is already present in the system.
  • the same hydraulic pressure used to power the tong (which is already present in the system) also supplies the energy to open the bypass valve; unlike conventional dump systems, no additional energy must be added to actuate the bypass valve.
  • valve 103 can be located in close physical proximity to valves 102 and 101 (typically at a distance of 12 inches or less), thereby reducing travel time for pneumatic signal pressure. This distance factor, together with the fact that a regulated low pressure pneumatic (air) signal travels faster than a hydraulic fluid, further ensures a very quick actuation of bypass valve 101 . Moreover, the use of a desired ratio (typically approximately 50:1) of hydraulic pressure to pneumatic pressure ensures that a relatively small change in pneumatic pressure results in a much greater impact on hydraulic pressure (or the ability to offset much higher hydraulic pressures with relief valve 101 ).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Fluid-Pressure Circuits (AREA)
US14/793,927 2014-07-08 2015-07-08 Multi-stage pressure control dump valve assembly for torque control operations Abandoned US20160010406A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/793,927 US20160010406A1 (en) 2014-07-08 2015-07-08 Multi-stage pressure control dump valve assembly for torque control operations

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201462022001P 2014-07-08 2014-07-08
US14/793,927 US20160010406A1 (en) 2014-07-08 2015-07-08 Multi-stage pressure control dump valve assembly for torque control operations

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WO (1) WO2016007583A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110778304A (zh) * 2019-08-20 2020-02-11 上海中联重科桩工机械有限公司 旋挖钻机控制系统及旋挖钻机
US11560763B2 (en) 2019-10-30 2023-01-24 Forum Us, Inc. Methods and apparatus for pre-torque detection in a threaded connection
WO2024227157A1 (fr) * 2023-04-28 2024-10-31 Hawk Industries, Inc. Test d'avertissement de couple bas et système prédéfini

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108678691B (zh) * 2018-05-23 2023-07-14 张昌恒 可控无损上扣钳及其使用方法
CN111101878B (zh) * 2020-01-02 2021-08-06 如东前进石油机械制造有限公司 一种用于钻杆液压动力钳上、卸扣及健康管理的监控系统

Citations (8)

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US4163401A (en) * 1977-03-15 1979-08-07 B. J. Hughes Inc. Electro-hydraulic interface for a power tongs
US4326435A (en) * 1980-06-24 1982-04-27 Guillot Preston F Hydraulic power tong
US4700787A (en) * 1985-10-03 1987-10-20 Buck David A Power tong torque control
US5509316A (en) * 1992-05-01 1996-04-23 Connection Technology Ltd. System for measuring the torque applied to a threaded connection between sections of oilfield pipe
US6212763B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2001-04-10 Frederic M. Newman Torque-turn system for a three-element sucker rod joint
US8042432B2 (en) * 2006-08-24 2011-10-25 Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. Oilfield tubular torque wrench
US8359951B2 (en) * 1999-11-26 2013-01-29 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Wrenching tong
US8590401B2 (en) * 2008-11-28 2013-11-26 Key Energy Services, Llc Method and system for controlling tongs make-up speed and evaluating and controlling torque at the tongs

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US3719237A (en) * 1971-06-21 1973-03-06 Byron Jackson Inc Tubing tong hydraulic drive system
US4091451A (en) * 1977-04-26 1978-05-23 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Method of and apparatus for making up a threaded connection
US4305472A (en) * 1980-03-18 1981-12-15 Brossette Mckinley J Apparatus for recording and limiting torque
US4444273A (en) * 1981-03-03 1984-04-24 Ruby Glenn E Torque control system for catheads
DE3468475D1 (en) * 1983-04-21 1988-02-11 Bilco Tools Inc Power tongs assembly
US4579024A (en) * 1984-07-10 1986-04-01 Coyle Sr William E Power tongs and control system
US20120210827A1 (en) * 2010-10-18 2012-08-23 Don Darrell Hickman Rod tong assembly

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4163401A (en) * 1977-03-15 1979-08-07 B. J. Hughes Inc. Electro-hydraulic interface for a power tongs
US4326435A (en) * 1980-06-24 1982-04-27 Guillot Preston F Hydraulic power tong
US4700787A (en) * 1985-10-03 1987-10-20 Buck David A Power tong torque control
US5509316A (en) * 1992-05-01 1996-04-23 Connection Technology Ltd. System for measuring the torque applied to a threaded connection between sections of oilfield pipe
US6212763B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2001-04-10 Frederic M. Newman Torque-turn system for a three-element sucker rod joint
US8359951B2 (en) * 1999-11-26 2013-01-29 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Wrenching tong
US8042432B2 (en) * 2006-08-24 2011-10-25 Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. Oilfield tubular torque wrench
US8590401B2 (en) * 2008-11-28 2013-11-26 Key Energy Services, Llc Method and system for controlling tongs make-up speed and evaluating and controlling torque at the tongs

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110778304A (zh) * 2019-08-20 2020-02-11 上海中联重科桩工机械有限公司 旋挖钻机控制系统及旋挖钻机
US11560763B2 (en) 2019-10-30 2023-01-24 Forum Us, Inc. Methods and apparatus for pre-torque detection in a threaded connection
WO2024227157A1 (fr) * 2023-04-28 2024-10-31 Hawk Industries, Inc. Test d'avertissement de couple bas et système prédéfini

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