CA1060501A - Fluid pressure article gripper - Google Patents
Fluid pressure article gripperInfo
- Publication number
- CA1060501A CA1060501A CA261,627A CA261627A CA1060501A CA 1060501 A CA1060501 A CA 1060501A CA 261627 A CA261627 A CA 261627A CA 1060501 A CA1060501 A CA 1060501A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- piling
- housing
- elements
- shiftable element
- control elements
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B31/00—Fishing for or freeing objects in boreholes or wells
- E21B31/12—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs
- E21B31/20—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs gripping internally, e.g. fishing spears
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D7/00—Methods or apparatus for placing sheet pile bulkheads, piles, mouldpipes, or other moulds
- E02D7/28—Placing of hollow pipes or mould pipes by means arranged inside the piles or pipes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
- E02B2017/0052—Removal or dismantling of offshore structures from their offshore location
Abstract
TITLE: SHIFTING APPARATUS
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
Apparatus is provided having particular use in conjunc-tion with setting of longitudinally extendable piling units for anchoring an offshore platform for subsequent use in drilling, production, completion and workover of a subterranean well. The apparatus is designed to be selectively movable within the base of the piling, thereafter the unit is manipulated to urge a plurality of circumferentially extending segmented units to expandably engage within the piling base and, preferably, be locked therewithin, such that the piling may be positionably engaged along longitudinally extending legs of the platform. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides an inflatable element which expands the segments for engagement with the bore of the piling. Alternatively, a modified apparatus utilizes a unit which is inserted within the base of the piling by means of a wire line or related apparatus. In still another form of the invention, a similar apparatus is provided in modified form on elements which are activated by means of spring loaded dog elements. A method also is provided for utilization of the present apparatus.
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
Apparatus is provided having particular use in conjunc-tion with setting of longitudinally extendable piling units for anchoring an offshore platform for subsequent use in drilling, production, completion and workover of a subterranean well. The apparatus is designed to be selectively movable within the base of the piling, thereafter the unit is manipulated to urge a plurality of circumferentially extending segmented units to expandably engage within the piling base and, preferably, be locked therewithin, such that the piling may be positionably engaged along longitudinally extending legs of the platform. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides an inflatable element which expands the segments for engagement with the bore of the piling. Alternatively, a modified apparatus utilizes a unit which is inserted within the base of the piling by means of a wire line or related apparatus. In still another form of the invention, a similar apparatus is provided in modified form on elements which are activated by means of spring loaded dog elements. A method also is provided for utilization of the present apparatus.
Description
,~ ~060501 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Inventi.on: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method-for grasping an element for subsequent travel of said element, said element being carri.able by a second elemer,t, such as a crane, or the like. In a prefer-red form, the apparatus is utilized within the bore of a longitud-inally extending piling for use in a subterranean drilling plat-form.
1. Field Of The Inventi.on: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method-for grasping an element for subsequent travel of said element, said element being carri.able by a second elemer,t, such as a crane, or the like. In a prefer-red form, the apparatus is utilized within the bore of a longitud-inally extending piling for use in a subterranean drilling plat-form.
2. Description Of The Prior Art: In the drilling of asubterranean offshore oil or gas well, it is, oftentimes necessary, to insert on the sea bed, a platform structure having a plurality of leg members extending above the water surface to the sea bed floor. At the top of the platform, the legs are connected by a series of "criss-cross" members, and at the immediate top of the legs, there is connected thereto a table-like member generally reférred to simply as the "platform" From the platform, drilling operations are conducted, including the driliing of the well, the completion thereof, and workover operations. In some instances, the platform is utilized during production activities, such as ~o setting and r-emoving packers, gravel pack operations, testing programs, and the like.
. Ai.ong the exterior of each of the legs of the platform structure are a series of longitudinally extending sleeve members ~.
which are we1ded or otherwise engaged to the platform legs, the sleeve members having bores therewithin for insertion therethrough of a piling member, which is subsequently and at least partially urged through the sea floor for securing the platform to the sea .
floor, or sea bed. Thereafter, the piling structure generally is ~' ~ 2 -: . -.,: , -. . : , . . :
. - ; , . .
106050~
cemented or "grouted" to the sleeve and~ in turn, to the platform structure to assure proper engagement of the piling to the sleeve, and to assure the securing of the platform to the sea bed. Hereto-fore, the piling member has been inserted through the sleeve by means of a derrick or hoist apparatus, the holding line of which has been directly attached to the top of the piling by means of a welded cross-member or the like affixed thereto. Subsequent to the lowering operation, the wire line is retracted from the piling by mechanical means or, in some instances, it has been necessary to ~utilize a diver who will carry weldingequipment which can be utilized in an aqueous environment to remove the cross mernber and the wire from the piling. These removal operations are extremely costly and time-consuming.
With the present invention, it has been discovered that an apparatus can be provided whereby s-egmented units are urged outwardly and away from the apparatus to and within the base of the piling to grasp the piling interior. The apparatus is mani-pulated by a derrick or hoist line and can be readily and easily removed from the piling upon completion of the operation by activa-,~0 ting the apparatus to cause the segmented elements to retract fromthe fixed position within the bore Of the piling. Thereafter, the apparatus is removed from the piling to the top of the plat-form structure and may be reused for the setting of subsequently needed pilings.
The apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other elements which must be carried by a derrick, hoist or other apparatus, and is not necessarily limited for use in conjunction with pilings which are utilized with oil well drill-ing platforms. For example, the present invention could be utllized to carry tubing or pipe or other hollow members in the construction of buildings, pipelines, ships, and the like.
~. . . ._ , : . , , . . . ,. .. , . . . ;: . ~
BRIEF ~SCRIPTIO~ OF THE DRAWIN(,S
Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of the use of the present invention in the lowering of a piling within a guide and subsequent inRertion into it~ sleeve, with the derrick and platform being shown above the water line.
Fig. 2 is a longitudinally extending exterior view of the apparatus of the present invention within the bore of the member which is to be grasped and carried by the apparatus.
Fig. 3A is a longitudinally extending drawing in segment, showing a preferred form of the present apparatus in engaged position within the bore of a piling or other member.
Fig. 3B is a longitudinally extending drawing in segment, showlng the lower end of a preferred form of the present apparatus.
Fig. 4 is a longitudinally segmented, in part, view of the apparatus of the present invention in a modified form for insertion within a holding member by means of a wire line or related tool.
S~ARY OF lH~ INVENrION
Apparatus is provided having particular use in con~unction ~ 20 with setting of longitudinally extendable piling units for anchoring :~ an offshore platform for subsequent use in drilling, production, completion and workover of a subterranean well. The apparatus is designed to be selectively movable within the bore of the piling, thereafter the unit is ~anipulated to urge a plurality of circum- -ferentially extending segmentet units to expandably engage with the piling base, and preferably, be locked therewithin, such that the piling may be positlonably engaged ; ~ ~ 4 -: :.. . -. , , , , ,: . :
r ~ 1060501 along longitudinally extending legs of the platform. Specifically there is provided by this invention apparatus for at least partial insertion.within an axially shlftable element, comprising: a longitudinally extending ho.us~ng, .
fluid actuated means within said housing, means communicable with said ~uid .
: actuated means for remote contro~ of fluid pressure therein, control elemen*s .
wlthin said housing and movable between expanded and retracted positions in response to fluid pressure within said fluid actuated means, spring loaded menbers urging said control elements to their retracted positions, means on said housing for locking said control elements in their expanded position, t least a portion of said elements when in their expanded position extending 1: out of and away from said housing, said elements when in their expanded :~ position engaging said ~hiftable element to p~r~it longitudinal movement ~
thereof, said elements when in their retracted position being disengaged from .
said shiftable element. - ~
~:
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRE~ BODIMENTS : :.
In a preferred form, the present apparatus utilizes a ..
series:of circumferentially extending segmented elements which are ~ .~ .
moved into engagement~and disengagement.within the base of the holding member by means of an inflation system comprlsing means 1 for conveying hydriulic or pneumatic fluid to a chamber which is :dlefined~by the interior of an inflatable rubber-like elastomeric member.~:
Referrin8 now to Figs. 3~ and 3B, an externally lnflatable p-cking -1ement 14, of known construction to those skilled in the art ant av:ailable commercially from Lynes, Inc., and shown in many :
variations in their 1975-76 CATALOG, is circumferentially and 1.
ext:eriorally affixed around inflation plate 19 having t.herein .a grooveway 19A defining a bore for receipt of the lower end l5A ¦
_ --~" 106~)501 of fluid line 15 which extends within and through the apparatus A to a control element (not shown), where the fluid line 15 is affixed to pressure activatiny means. Upper and lower holding rings 20 engage the upper and lower ends, respectively, of the p2cking element 14 to the inflation plate 19 for sealing securement thereto.~' Exteriorally of the packing element 14 and the holding ring 20 are upper and lower lock discs 21 which are affixed to the - 5a -~, , .~ ... , , . - . : , .:
: .. . :
upper and lower ends of the packing element for additional securing thereof. The lower disc 21 also has engaged thereto a spring control mandrel 23 for purposes which will be hereinafter described. Affixed to the opposite wall and side of the inflation plate and away from the packing element 14 are upper and lower brace members 27, axially slidable on an inner housing member 1, which securely affix the inflation plate and its connected and inter-relating parts to the inner housing member 7 which, in turn, is threadably connected at its upper end by and to a top sub member 4 and is threadedly connected at its lower end to a companion bottom sub member 3. The top sub 4 is provided with thread section 4A for suitable engagement to a string of pipe, the length of the pipe and the number of lengths not being critical to the present invention, and serving to extend the apparatus to a lifting device located upon the platform or attendant derrick barge (shown in Fig. 1).
The inflation mechanism as above described is immediately operationally related to a series of circumferentially extending and outwardly expandable, inwardly retractable support rings 11 each ~ ;
comprising an externally protruding upper member 11~ and a plurality of lower brace members llB respectively, which, in turn, are each affixed to a central ring member C, the central ring member C having an inner wall member Cl which is engageable by the exterior of the packing element 14 upon inflation of the packing element 14. The central ring C
has upper and lower spring carriages 28 which form an integrable part of the central ring C. The spring carriages 28 cause responsive activation of coil~ and compression spring elements 1 and 2, respec-tively, housed within the spring carriages.
The lower lock disc 21 has affixed at its lower end a longi- `-tudinally extending spring mandrel 23, having extended at the -lower end thereof a coiled, compressed spring element 22~ There is a spring mandrel 23 for each support ring segment 11. When the A support ring segments 11 engage the left ring B of the piling P
~.
as hereinafter described, an upward pull on the tubing string affixed to ;~
the top sub 4 will cause an exterior housing 13 to shift upwards with respect to the support ring elements 11 to compress the spring 22 between the lower housing wall and a ring 12 bearing against spring carriages 28 secured to the ring segments, mandrels 5 and 6 moving out of axial alignment with spring carriages 28 . As housing 13 moves upwards with respect to support elements 11, a small clearance area 24 is created between the disc member llA of the support ring 11, and the upper part of the housing, and the upper edge of housing 13 will slip into safety notch 25 which is defined by the upper end of the exterior housing 13 of the apparatus A, and an inwardly extending lower shoulder llBl on the lower disc member llB of the support ring 11. The engagement of the support ring 11 in the safety notch 25 prevents accidental retraction of the segments or rings 11 in the event that the inflatable element 14 is inadvertently deflated, by means of, for example, a break in the fluid line 15 between the apparatusjA
and the top of the platform. Thus accidental release from the piling P, or holding structure, is prevented so long as sufficient weight is maintained to compress spring 22.
At a preselected location along the smooth bore of the piling P is pre-fixed an inwardly protruding circumferentially ~
extending l~ft ring B which may be earlier affixed to the piling P -in and as one single unit, or as a series of units, complimentlng the construction of the support rings 11. The lift ring B is affixed to the piling P by means of weld ~ or other convenient fixing mechanism.
OPERATION
At the platform surface, or other convenient location, the -apparatusjA is affixed to a string of tubing by connection to the top sub 4. The fluid line 15 is connected to a control line panel (not shown) generally operable from the top of the platform structure. The bottom sub 3 may be connected at its threaded end 3A to~a second and lower string of tubing, if necessary or desirable. The-bottom sub 3 has at its 106050~
upper end an upwardly facing, outwardl.~ protruding shoulder 3s which ill companion operation with a series of circumferentially extending stop blocks 26 which are engaged exteriorally around the inner housing 7, serves to prevent axial movement of the housing ~ember 13. .Thus,upward loads are transmitted through the top sub 4, the inner housing 7, the bottom sub 3 and the exterior housing 13, and thereafter the load is transferred to .:
the segments 11 by ~eans of the safety notch 25. Thereafter, and :~
concurrently, the load is transferred to the piling P through the lift ri~g B. The load is, of course, controlled by the force exerted upon the .. ~
tubing string affixed to the upper sub 4. :
It should be noted that the apparatus.A may be supplied with an .
optional cylindrical stop ring 8, arranged about the upper part of the : .
housing and which is affixed to the exterior of the apparatus A. Stop : :
ring 8 is held in place by the outwardly projecting nuts for spring ~;
mandrels 6, this cylindrical ring carrying radially extending flanges 8A :
having lower edges 8B adapted to rest upon the upper end of lift ring B.
Stop ring 8 serves to prevent the apparatus A from accfdentally sliding within the interior of the piling P by means of the flanges 8A, the diameter of which is greater than that afforded through the piling by means of the lift ring B. In the event that the control string breaks or is dropped, tlle apparatus will be prevented from dropping through the borè of the piling P because the lower and outer edge 8B of the ~ .
stop ring 8 will come to rest upon the upper and outwardly protruding ~ .
end Bl of the lift ring B. `~
When it is desired to release the apparatus A from the piling P, the inflation pressure of the fluid within the fluid line 15, is released, and the rubber--like elastomeric bladder inflation element 14 will contract inwardly. Thereafter, the tubing string connected to the top sub 4 is lo~ered a sufficient length to allow the segmentsll .
to disengage from the lift ring B while, at the same time, spring element 22 urges the support ring segments 11 upwardly, operating between the lower horizontal housing wall and ring 12 so as to hold ring 12 pressed against : .
J-~ - 8 -spring carriages 28, thus transmitting pressure to ring segments C and reducing the clearance at the space 24 and disengaging disc member llB of the support 11 from safety notch 25. Concurrently, horizontal spring elements 1 and 2 will cause the outwardly protruding support rings 11 to retract, reducing the outer diameter less than that of the internal diameter of the lift ring B such that the apparatus A may be conveniently withdrawn~ from the piling P without interference to longitudinal movement.
As an alternate preferred apparatus, reference now is made to Fig. 4, which utilizes essentially the same apparatus as disclosed in Fig. 3. A ring R is affixed to the top exterior of the apparatus A, the ring R having a central bore Rl for engagement therethrough of a wire line or other means for connecting the apparatus A to a line which , in turn, is operatively manoeuveredby a hoist upon the platform or related structure, the wire line not being shown, but serving the æame office as the string of tubing which is affixed to the sub 4 as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 4 shows an apparatus A having a shear-off element E
afflxed to a piston element 50 housed within its housing 5~ and the end of 501of element 50 and housing 51 defining a fluid chamber 52 which is in communication with the fluid line 15. This apparatus i6 operated essentially as i~ shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, but is removed from the bore of the piling P by lower travel of the apparatus A on the wire line such that shear-off ele~ent E engages a release shoulder 53 circumferentially extending and outwardly protruding within the bore of the piling P and conveniently welded or otherwise affixed thereto. The weight afforded on shear-off element E will cause the stem to shear and expose the chamber 52 to exterior pressure, which will be lower ~;
than the pressure within the fluid line. As the pressure within the fluid line 15 is reduced, the packing element 14 is ~: . .: : . .. , :
;~
retracted and the operation as above described is initiated, the apparatus A then being permitted to be retracted from the base of the piling P.
Although the invention has been described in terms of specified embodiments which are set forth in detail, it should be understood that this is by way of illustration only and that :
the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, since alternative embodiments and operating techniques wil1 become apparerlt to those skilled in the art in view of the disclosure. Accordingly, modi-fications are contemplated which can be made without departing from the-spirit of the described invention. I .
; .
.
: . , ' ' ` . ' . .' ', ' . ; ' . . ', , . . ." ',., ; . ,` ' . : " . ~ '. ' :""' ' ' ' . '. ". . ' ' ' ' '' ' ' ' '~ ' , , ' ', , ' ' . ' " " ' ' ' ' ' . ' . ' ' , ', , ' ' , ' ' . ~ ", , ' ' . .
. Ai.ong the exterior of each of the legs of the platform structure are a series of longitudinally extending sleeve members ~.
which are we1ded or otherwise engaged to the platform legs, the sleeve members having bores therewithin for insertion therethrough of a piling member, which is subsequently and at least partially urged through the sea floor for securing the platform to the sea .
floor, or sea bed. Thereafter, the piling structure generally is ~' ~ 2 -: . -.,: , -. . : , . . :
. - ; , . .
106050~
cemented or "grouted" to the sleeve and~ in turn, to the platform structure to assure proper engagement of the piling to the sleeve, and to assure the securing of the platform to the sea bed. Hereto-fore, the piling member has been inserted through the sleeve by means of a derrick or hoist apparatus, the holding line of which has been directly attached to the top of the piling by means of a welded cross-member or the like affixed thereto. Subsequent to the lowering operation, the wire line is retracted from the piling by mechanical means or, in some instances, it has been necessary to ~utilize a diver who will carry weldingequipment which can be utilized in an aqueous environment to remove the cross mernber and the wire from the piling. These removal operations are extremely costly and time-consuming.
With the present invention, it has been discovered that an apparatus can be provided whereby s-egmented units are urged outwardly and away from the apparatus to and within the base of the piling to grasp the piling interior. The apparatus is mani-pulated by a derrick or hoist line and can be readily and easily removed from the piling upon completion of the operation by activa-,~0 ting the apparatus to cause the segmented elements to retract fromthe fixed position within the bore Of the piling. Thereafter, the apparatus is removed from the piling to the top of the plat-form structure and may be reused for the setting of subsequently needed pilings.
The apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other elements which must be carried by a derrick, hoist or other apparatus, and is not necessarily limited for use in conjunction with pilings which are utilized with oil well drill-ing platforms. For example, the present invention could be utllized to carry tubing or pipe or other hollow members in the construction of buildings, pipelines, ships, and the like.
~. . . ._ , : . , , . . . ,. .. , . . . ;: . ~
BRIEF ~SCRIPTIO~ OF THE DRAWIN(,S
Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of the use of the present invention in the lowering of a piling within a guide and subsequent inRertion into it~ sleeve, with the derrick and platform being shown above the water line.
Fig. 2 is a longitudinally extending exterior view of the apparatus of the present invention within the bore of the member which is to be grasped and carried by the apparatus.
Fig. 3A is a longitudinally extending drawing in segment, showing a preferred form of the present apparatus in engaged position within the bore of a piling or other member.
Fig. 3B is a longitudinally extending drawing in segment, showlng the lower end of a preferred form of the present apparatus.
Fig. 4 is a longitudinally segmented, in part, view of the apparatus of the present invention in a modified form for insertion within a holding member by means of a wire line or related tool.
S~ARY OF lH~ INVENrION
Apparatus is provided having particular use in con~unction ~ 20 with setting of longitudinally extendable piling units for anchoring :~ an offshore platform for subsequent use in drilling, production, completion and workover of a subterranean well. The apparatus is designed to be selectively movable within the bore of the piling, thereafter the unit is ~anipulated to urge a plurality of circum- -ferentially extending segmentet units to expandably engage with the piling base, and preferably, be locked therewithin, such that the piling may be positlonably engaged ; ~ ~ 4 -: :.. . -. , , , , ,: . :
r ~ 1060501 along longitudinally extending legs of the platform. Specifically there is provided by this invention apparatus for at least partial insertion.within an axially shlftable element, comprising: a longitudinally extending ho.us~ng, .
fluid actuated means within said housing, means communicable with said ~uid .
: actuated means for remote contro~ of fluid pressure therein, control elemen*s .
wlthin said housing and movable between expanded and retracted positions in response to fluid pressure within said fluid actuated means, spring loaded menbers urging said control elements to their retracted positions, means on said housing for locking said control elements in their expanded position, t least a portion of said elements when in their expanded position extending 1: out of and away from said housing, said elements when in their expanded :~ position engaging said ~hiftable element to p~r~it longitudinal movement ~
thereof, said elements when in their retracted position being disengaged from .
said shiftable element. - ~
~:
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRE~ BODIMENTS : :.
In a preferred form, the present apparatus utilizes a ..
series:of circumferentially extending segmented elements which are ~ .~ .
moved into engagement~and disengagement.within the base of the holding member by means of an inflation system comprlsing means 1 for conveying hydriulic or pneumatic fluid to a chamber which is :dlefined~by the interior of an inflatable rubber-like elastomeric member.~:
Referrin8 now to Figs. 3~ and 3B, an externally lnflatable p-cking -1ement 14, of known construction to those skilled in the art ant av:ailable commercially from Lynes, Inc., and shown in many :
variations in their 1975-76 CATALOG, is circumferentially and 1.
ext:eriorally affixed around inflation plate 19 having t.herein .a grooveway 19A defining a bore for receipt of the lower end l5A ¦
_ --~" 106~)501 of fluid line 15 which extends within and through the apparatus A to a control element (not shown), where the fluid line 15 is affixed to pressure activatiny means. Upper and lower holding rings 20 engage the upper and lower ends, respectively, of the p2cking element 14 to the inflation plate 19 for sealing securement thereto.~' Exteriorally of the packing element 14 and the holding ring 20 are upper and lower lock discs 21 which are affixed to the - 5a -~, , .~ ... , , . - . : , .:
: .. . :
upper and lower ends of the packing element for additional securing thereof. The lower disc 21 also has engaged thereto a spring control mandrel 23 for purposes which will be hereinafter described. Affixed to the opposite wall and side of the inflation plate and away from the packing element 14 are upper and lower brace members 27, axially slidable on an inner housing member 1, which securely affix the inflation plate and its connected and inter-relating parts to the inner housing member 7 which, in turn, is threadably connected at its upper end by and to a top sub member 4 and is threadedly connected at its lower end to a companion bottom sub member 3. The top sub 4 is provided with thread section 4A for suitable engagement to a string of pipe, the length of the pipe and the number of lengths not being critical to the present invention, and serving to extend the apparatus to a lifting device located upon the platform or attendant derrick barge (shown in Fig. 1).
The inflation mechanism as above described is immediately operationally related to a series of circumferentially extending and outwardly expandable, inwardly retractable support rings 11 each ~ ;
comprising an externally protruding upper member 11~ and a plurality of lower brace members llB respectively, which, in turn, are each affixed to a central ring member C, the central ring member C having an inner wall member Cl which is engageable by the exterior of the packing element 14 upon inflation of the packing element 14. The central ring C
has upper and lower spring carriages 28 which form an integrable part of the central ring C. The spring carriages 28 cause responsive activation of coil~ and compression spring elements 1 and 2, respec-tively, housed within the spring carriages.
The lower lock disc 21 has affixed at its lower end a longi- `-tudinally extending spring mandrel 23, having extended at the -lower end thereof a coiled, compressed spring element 22~ There is a spring mandrel 23 for each support ring segment 11. When the A support ring segments 11 engage the left ring B of the piling P
~.
as hereinafter described, an upward pull on the tubing string affixed to ;~
the top sub 4 will cause an exterior housing 13 to shift upwards with respect to the support ring elements 11 to compress the spring 22 between the lower housing wall and a ring 12 bearing against spring carriages 28 secured to the ring segments, mandrels 5 and 6 moving out of axial alignment with spring carriages 28 . As housing 13 moves upwards with respect to support elements 11, a small clearance area 24 is created between the disc member llA of the support ring 11, and the upper part of the housing, and the upper edge of housing 13 will slip into safety notch 25 which is defined by the upper end of the exterior housing 13 of the apparatus A, and an inwardly extending lower shoulder llBl on the lower disc member llB of the support ring 11. The engagement of the support ring 11 in the safety notch 25 prevents accidental retraction of the segments or rings 11 in the event that the inflatable element 14 is inadvertently deflated, by means of, for example, a break in the fluid line 15 between the apparatusjA
and the top of the platform. Thus accidental release from the piling P, or holding structure, is prevented so long as sufficient weight is maintained to compress spring 22.
At a preselected location along the smooth bore of the piling P is pre-fixed an inwardly protruding circumferentially ~
extending l~ft ring B which may be earlier affixed to the piling P -in and as one single unit, or as a series of units, complimentlng the construction of the support rings 11. The lift ring B is affixed to the piling P by means of weld ~ or other convenient fixing mechanism.
OPERATION
At the platform surface, or other convenient location, the -apparatusjA is affixed to a string of tubing by connection to the top sub 4. The fluid line 15 is connected to a control line panel (not shown) generally operable from the top of the platform structure. The bottom sub 3 may be connected at its threaded end 3A to~a second and lower string of tubing, if necessary or desirable. The-bottom sub 3 has at its 106050~
upper end an upwardly facing, outwardl.~ protruding shoulder 3s which ill companion operation with a series of circumferentially extending stop blocks 26 which are engaged exteriorally around the inner housing 7, serves to prevent axial movement of the housing ~ember 13. .Thus,upward loads are transmitted through the top sub 4, the inner housing 7, the bottom sub 3 and the exterior housing 13, and thereafter the load is transferred to .:
the segments 11 by ~eans of the safety notch 25. Thereafter, and :~
concurrently, the load is transferred to the piling P through the lift ri~g B. The load is, of course, controlled by the force exerted upon the .. ~
tubing string affixed to the upper sub 4. :
It should be noted that the apparatus.A may be supplied with an .
optional cylindrical stop ring 8, arranged about the upper part of the : .
housing and which is affixed to the exterior of the apparatus A. Stop : :
ring 8 is held in place by the outwardly projecting nuts for spring ~;
mandrels 6, this cylindrical ring carrying radially extending flanges 8A :
having lower edges 8B adapted to rest upon the upper end of lift ring B.
Stop ring 8 serves to prevent the apparatus A from accfdentally sliding within the interior of the piling P by means of the flanges 8A, the diameter of which is greater than that afforded through the piling by means of the lift ring B. In the event that the control string breaks or is dropped, tlle apparatus will be prevented from dropping through the borè of the piling P because the lower and outer edge 8B of the ~ .
stop ring 8 will come to rest upon the upper and outwardly protruding ~ .
end Bl of the lift ring B. `~
When it is desired to release the apparatus A from the piling P, the inflation pressure of the fluid within the fluid line 15, is released, and the rubber--like elastomeric bladder inflation element 14 will contract inwardly. Thereafter, the tubing string connected to the top sub 4 is lo~ered a sufficient length to allow the segmentsll .
to disengage from the lift ring B while, at the same time, spring element 22 urges the support ring segments 11 upwardly, operating between the lower horizontal housing wall and ring 12 so as to hold ring 12 pressed against : .
J-~ - 8 -spring carriages 28, thus transmitting pressure to ring segments C and reducing the clearance at the space 24 and disengaging disc member llB of the support 11 from safety notch 25. Concurrently, horizontal spring elements 1 and 2 will cause the outwardly protruding support rings 11 to retract, reducing the outer diameter less than that of the internal diameter of the lift ring B such that the apparatus A may be conveniently withdrawn~ from the piling P without interference to longitudinal movement.
As an alternate preferred apparatus, reference now is made to Fig. 4, which utilizes essentially the same apparatus as disclosed in Fig. 3. A ring R is affixed to the top exterior of the apparatus A, the ring R having a central bore Rl for engagement therethrough of a wire line or other means for connecting the apparatus A to a line which , in turn, is operatively manoeuveredby a hoist upon the platform or related structure, the wire line not being shown, but serving the æame office as the string of tubing which is affixed to the sub 4 as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 4 shows an apparatus A having a shear-off element E
afflxed to a piston element 50 housed within its housing 5~ and the end of 501of element 50 and housing 51 defining a fluid chamber 52 which is in communication with the fluid line 15. This apparatus i6 operated essentially as i~ shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, but is removed from the bore of the piling P by lower travel of the apparatus A on the wire line such that shear-off ele~ent E engages a release shoulder 53 circumferentially extending and outwardly protruding within the bore of the piling P and conveniently welded or otherwise affixed thereto. The weight afforded on shear-off element E will cause the stem to shear and expose the chamber 52 to exterior pressure, which will be lower ~;
than the pressure within the fluid line. As the pressure within the fluid line 15 is reduced, the packing element 14 is ~: . .: : . .. , :
;~
retracted and the operation as above described is initiated, the apparatus A then being permitted to be retracted from the base of the piling P.
Although the invention has been described in terms of specified embodiments which are set forth in detail, it should be understood that this is by way of illustration only and that :
the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, since alternative embodiments and operating techniques wil1 become apparerlt to those skilled in the art in view of the disclosure. Accordingly, modi-fications are contemplated which can be made without departing from the-spirit of the described invention. I .
; .
.
: . , ' ' ` . ' . .' ', ' . ; ' . . ', , . . ." ',., ; . ,` ' . : " . ~ '. ' :""' ' ' ' . '. ". . ' ' ' ' '' ' ' ' '~ ' , , ' ', , ' ' . ' " " ' ' ' ' ' . ' . ' ' , ', , ' ' , ' ' . ~ ", , ' ' . .
Claims (5)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Apparatus for at least partial insertion within an axially shiftable element, comprising: a longitudinally extending housing, fluid actuated means within said housing, means communicable with said fluid actuated means for remote control of fluid pressure therein, control elements within said housing and movable between expanded and retracted positions in response to fluid pressure within said fluid actuated means, spring loaded members urging said control elements to their retracted positions, means on said housing for locking said control elements in their expanded position, at least a portion of said elements when in their expanded position extending out of and away from said housing, said elements when in their expanded position engaging said shiftable element to permit longitudinal movement thereof, said elements when in their retracted position being disengaged from said shiftable element.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid actuated means is an inflatable member.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control elements have means thereon for engagement with companion means on said axially shiftable element to transfer load on said shiftable element to said apparatus through said control elements.
4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 further including valve means on said housing optionally engageable with said shiftable element to release fluid pressure within said fluid actuated means.
5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said axially shiftable element is a longitudinally extendable piling unit for anchoring an offshore platform for subsequent use in drilling, production, completion and workover of a subterranean well.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/652,175 US4050731A (en) | 1976-01-26 | 1976-01-26 | Shifting apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1060501A true CA1060501A (en) | 1979-08-14 |
Family
ID=24615804
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA261,627A Expired CA1060501A (en) | 1976-01-26 | 1976-09-21 | Fluid pressure article gripper |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4050731A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1060501A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2640657A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2339092A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1573252A (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7612341A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO762925L (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4160612A (en) * | 1978-05-01 | 1979-07-10 | Oil States Rubber Co. | Tube closure |
| US4320915A (en) * | 1980-03-24 | 1982-03-23 | Varco International, Inc. | Internal elevator |
| US4361353A (en) * | 1980-08-26 | 1982-11-30 | Sub-Surface Tools, Inc. | Method and apparatus for retrieving wear bushings of various diameters |
| US4421139A (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1983-12-20 | Halliburton Company | Plug for offshore platforms and the like |
| US4561802A (en) * | 1983-12-19 | 1985-12-31 | The Babcock & Wilcox Company | Assembly of conductor guides for offshore drilling platform |
| DE3439653C1 (en) * | 1984-10-30 | 1985-07-18 | Wirth Maschinen- und Bohrgeräte-Fabrik GmbH, 5140 Erkelenz | Device for connecting a drill string to a pipe or the like. |
| DE3617227A1 (en) * | 1986-05-22 | 1987-11-26 | Wirth Co Kg Masch Bohr | DEVICE WITH AN END OF A TUBE CLAMPABLE SPIDER OR THE LIKE. |
| US5116095A (en) * | 1991-01-16 | 1992-05-26 | Baroid Technology, Inc. | Apparatus for lifting heavy equipment |
| US5328181A (en) * | 1992-12-23 | 1994-07-12 | Xerox Corporation | Low energy transfer mandrel and process for using mandrel |
| US6174125B1 (en) | 1999-09-29 | 2001-01-16 | Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company | Method and apparatus for racking and unracking pipe |
| CN102515011B (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2014-02-19 | 清华大学 | Pneumatic lifting tool for nuclear power plant |
| CN102491166A (en) * | 2011-12-28 | 2012-06-13 | 中国海洋石油总公司 | Internal expanding pile hanging device |
| US20170089151A1 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2017-03-30 | Slim Drilling Serviços De Perfuração S.A | Support with limiting collar for casing string, for locking by abutment above the mandrel of the drilling equipment |
| GB2590051B (en) * | 2019-08-26 | 2023-10-11 | Planet 42 Ltd | Stablization methods and system |
| CN116752923B (en) * | 2023-08-16 | 2023-11-07 | 牡丹江市林海石油打捞工具有限公司 | Screw pump hydraulic overshot |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2203799A (en) * | 1939-04-14 | 1940-06-11 | Charles A Shaffer | Work handling apparatus |
| US2785758A (en) * | 1954-04-02 | 1957-03-19 | Baker Oil Tools Inc | Apparatus for anchoring tubing strings in well bore conduits |
| US2826445A (en) * | 1956-01-30 | 1958-03-11 | Tidland Charles Robert | Lifter for rolls and the like |
| US3006152A (en) * | 1959-04-17 | 1961-10-31 | Rusche Fredric | Pile driving mandrel |
| US3264834A (en) * | 1963-03-28 | 1966-08-09 | Shell Oil Co | Expansible mandrel |
-
1976
- 1976-01-26 US US05/652,175 patent/US4050731A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1976-08-25 NO NO762925A patent/NO762925L/en unknown
- 1976-09-09 DE DE19762640657 patent/DE2640657A1/en active Pending
- 1976-09-21 CA CA261,627A patent/CA1060501A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-11-05 NL NL7612341A patent/NL7612341A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1976-11-18 FR FR7634745A patent/FR2339092A1/en active Pending
-
1977
- 1977-01-21 GB GB2484/77A patent/GB1573252A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NL7612341A (en) | 1977-07-28 |
| US4050731A (en) | 1977-09-27 |
| NO762925L (en) | 1977-07-27 |
| GB1573252A (en) | 1980-08-20 |
| DE2640657A1 (en) | 1977-07-28 |
| FR2339092A1 (en) | 1977-08-19 |
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