IP Library Granted Patent US 9,080,398
Granted Patent B2
US 9,080,398 · App. 13/334,836 · Granted Jul 14, 2015

Wellbore tubular running devices, systems and methods

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,080,398
App. No.
13/334,836
Granted
Jul 14, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

According to one or more aspects of the invention, a method for use with assembling and disassembling a tubular string formed by a first tubular and a second tubular may comprise engaging the first tubular with a first device; engaging the second tubular with a second device; connecting the first tubular to the second tubular by applying torque to the first tubular; determining a true torque applied in connecting the first tubular and the second tubular; ensuring that at least the first device or the second device is engaging the tubular string; disengaging the second device from the tubular string; and lowering the tubular string. The first device may be a top drive and the second device may be a spider. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool. The top drive may comprise a tubular running tool and an elevator.

Claims (43)

1. A wellbore tubular running system, the system comprising:

a top drive operable to rotate a tubular;

a tubular running tool connecting the top drive and the tubular;

a first sensor connected to a tubular member to measure a torque applied from the top drive to the tubular;

a load sensor connected with the tubular running tool to measure a drag torque applied in response to the torque applied from the top drive; and

a controller connected to the first sensor to receive the measured torque applied and connected to the load sensor to receive the measured drag torque applied, the controller determining an actual torque applied to the thread connection, wherein the actual torque applied is the measured torque applied reduced by the measured drag torque.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is capable of measuring an axial load.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member comprises one selected from the top drive, a sub, and the tubular running tool.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is disposed between opposing collars removably connected to the tubular member.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the first sensor comprises a bending beam connected between the opposing collars.

6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the first sensor is capable of measuring an axial load.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the first sensor comprises a bending beam connected between the opposing collars.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is removably connected to the tubular member.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the load sensor is connected between a rotational element of the tubular running tool and a rotationally stationary object.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the rotational element comprises a tubular manipulator.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the tubular manipulator comprises a single joint manipulator arm.

12. The system of claim 9 , wherein the rotationally stationary object comprises a top drive rail.

13. A method for assembling and/or disassembling a tubular string formed of a first tubular and a second tubular, comprising:

engaging the first tubular with a first device;

engaging the second tubular with a second device;

connecting the first tubular to the second tubular at a thread connection by applying torque to the first tubular;

measuring the torque applied to the first tubular;

measuring a drag torque associated with the torque applied to the first tubular;

reducing the measured torque applied by the measured drag torque to determine an actual torque applied to the thread connection;

ensuring that at least the first device or the second device is supporting the tubular string;

disengaging the second device from the tubular string; and

lowering the tubular string.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first device is a top drive and the second device is a spider.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the top drive comprises a tubular running tool.

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the top drive comprises a tubular running tool and an elevator.

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the measuring the torque applied comprises removably disposing a first sensor with the top drive.

18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising measuring an axial load via the first sensor.

19. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first device comprises a top drive and the measuring the torque applied comprises:

removably connecting opposing collars with a tubular member connected with the top drive; and

providing a first sensor with the opposing collars.

20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising measuring an axial load via the first sensor.

21. The method of claim 19 , wherein the top drive comprises a tubular running tool.

22. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first device comprises a top drive and the measuring the torque applied comprises:

removably connecting opposing collars to a tubular member connected with the top drive;

providing a first sensor with the opposing collars; and

providing a bending beam between the opposing collars.

23. The method of claim 22 , further comprising measuring an axial load via the first sensor.

24. The method of claim 22 , wherein the top drive comprises a tubular running tool.

Assignments (5)
RELEASE OF REEL/FRAME 057778/0707 Recorded Sep 30, 2025
From: DNB BANK ASA, LONDON BRANCH
To: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Reel/Frame 073324/0554 →
SHORT-FORM PATENT AND TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Oct 4, 2021
From: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLC
To: DNB BANK ASA, LONDON BRANCH
Reel/Frame 057778/0707 →
MERGER Recorded Oct 23, 2014
From: FRANK'S CASING CREW & RENTAL TOOLS, LLC
To: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Reel/Frame 034022/0369 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 23, 2014
From: FRANK'S CASING CREW & RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
To: FRANK'S CASING CREW & RENTAL TOOLS, LLC
Reel/Frame 034038/0177 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 27, 2012
From: BOULIGNY, VERNON J.; SIBILLE, MARK S.; WEBRE, CHARLES M.
To: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
Reel/Frame 027936/0173 →