Top drive counter moment system
Present embodiments are directed to a top drive system comprising a hoisting assembly having an upper link, a lower link, and a first joint coupling the upper link and the lower link. The top drive system also includes a main body coupled to the hoisting assembly by a second joint, wherein the hoisting assembly is configured to support the main body, and the main body is configured to support a tubular. Further, the top drive system includes a frame coupled to the main body and a counter moment system configured to apply a force on the first joint to create a bending moment about the second joint.
1. A top drive system, comprising:
a hoisting assembly;
an upper link of the hoisting assembly;
a lower link of the hoisting assembly;
a first joint coupling the upper link and the lower link;
a main body coupled to the hoisting assembly by a second joint, wherein the hoisting assembly is configured to support the main body, and the main body is configured to support a tubular;
a frame coupled to the main body; and
a counter moment system configured to apply a force on the first joint to create a bending moment about the second joint, wherein the counter moment system comprises:
a bracket coupled to the frame;
a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the bracket; and
a cable coupled to the hydraulic cylinder and the first joint, wherein the cable is routed through a pulley coupled to the bracket.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic cylinder is configured to create a constant force acting on the cable.
3. The system of claim 1 , comprising a controlled pressure circuit configured to regulate operation of the hydraulic cylinder.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the counter moment system comprises a spring system configured to apply a substantially constant force to the first joint.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bending moment is configured to reduce a reactive moment acting on a torque bushing of a torque track system.
6. A top drive system, comprising:
a hoisting assembly;
a main body coupled to the hoisting assembly by a first joint, wherein the hoisting assembly is configured to support the main body, and the main body is configured to support a tubular;
a frame coupled to the main body;
a torque track system comprising a torque bushing; and
a counter moment system configured to apply a force on a second joint of the hoisting assembly to create a bending moment about the second joint, wherein the counter moment system comprises:
a bracket coupled to the frame;
a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the bracket; and
a cable coupled to the hydraulic cylinder and the second joint, wherein the cable is routed through a pulley coupled to the bracket.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the bending moment is approximately equal and opposite to an overturning moment acting on the top drive system.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the overturning moment is created by a center of gravity of the top drive system, and the center of gravity is offset from an axis of a hanging load of the tubular.
9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the bending moment is configured to reduce a reactive moment acting on the torque bushing, wherein the reactive moment is reactive to the overturning moment.
10. The system of claim 6 , wherein operation of the hydraulic cylinder is regulated by a controlled pressure circuit.
11. The system of claim 6 , wherein the force is substantially constant.
12. The system of claim 6 , wherein application of the force rotates a link of the hoisting assembly over a center of gravity of the top drive system.
13. A method, comprising:
coupling a main body of a top drive system to a hoisting assembly with a first joint;
suspending the main body of the top drive system with the hoisting assembly; and
applying a force to a second joint of the hoisting assembly to create a bending moment about the first joint, wherein applying the force to the second joint of the hoisting assembly comprises coupling a cable to the second joint and to a hydraulic cylinder and compressing the hydraulic cylinder.
14. The method of claim 13 , comprising coupling a tubular to the main body of the top drive system and suspending the tubular with the main body of the top drive system.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the force is substantially constant.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the bending moment is substantially equal and opposite to an overturning moment acting on the top drive system, wherein the overturning moment is created by a center of gravity of the top drive system, and the center of gravity is offset from an axis of a hanging load of the top drive system.