Portable workover rig with extendable mast substructure, platform mounted drawworks and adjustable wellhead anchor

• US 4,290,495 A
• Filed: 06/18/1979
• Issued: 09/22/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hydra-Rig, Inc. (NOV, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hydra-Rig, Inc. (NOV, Inc.)
• Inventors: Elliston, Thomas L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Purser, Ernest R.
• Application Number:
  US06/049,954
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 173/57, 173/147, 173/151, 173/23, 173/28, 175/52, 175/85, 254/93 VA, 254/139.1, 52/117, 52/119, 52/115, 52/120, 166/77, 166/77.5
• US Class Current: 175/85
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 15/00 Supports for the drilling machine, e.g. derricks or masts
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/00 Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/084 with flexible drawing means, e.g. cables
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/20 Combined feeding from rack and connecting, e.g. automatically
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/02 Drilling rigs characterised by means for land transport with their own drive, e.g. skid mounting or wheel mounting

Abstract

A portable workover rig for handling a pipe string in a well casing includes a base platform and a collapsible mast which is movable from a reclining transport position to an erect elevated position of use. The mast is supported for free-standing operation by a carriage assembly including a cantilever support base mounted on the base platform for pivotal movement from the transport position to the position of use. The carriage assembly includes lift arms coupled in parallel relation intermediate the cantilever support base and the rig support platform for maintaining the cantilever support base in parallel alignment with the base platform. Hoisting and snubbing operations are performed by drawworks including a linear hydraulic actuator carried on the base platform, a traveling block supported for vertical movement along the mast by hoist and snub cables, and traveling sheaves carried by the actuator through a stroke pathway which is oriented transversely with respect to the mast. A vertically adjustable stack assembly is provided for accommodating the varying elevations of existing wellhead flange connections and for anchoring the rig platform to the wellhead casing. A powered drill sub assembly includes upstanding stab receptacles anchored to the top side of the traveling block and stab elements supported for vertical reciprocal movement between retracted and extended positions to permit displacement of the power sub relative to the traveling block during makeup and breakout operations.

Claims

1. A transportable mast assembly for a workover rig comprising:

a portable rig support platform;

a mast supported substructure including a cantilever support base projecting beyond the support platform in a workover position;

an elongated mast pivotally mounted on the mast support substructure for movement from a reclining transport position overlying the rig support platform to an erect workover position overlying and engaging the support base;

the mast including pipe engaging means movable along the mast for engaging and hoisting a pipe string;

a mast carriage assembly mounted on the support platform and connected to the mast support substructure for moving the mast support substructure between the transport position and the workover position wherein the support base projects above and beyond the support platform;

first power means operatively coupled intermediate the support platform and the carriage assembly for selectively moving the mast support substructure from the transport position to the workover position to place the support base over a wellhead; and

,

second power means operatively coupled intermediate the mast support substructure and the mast for selectively erecting the mast from the transport position to the erect workover position whereby the pipe engaging means may be operated to engage and hoist a pipe string from the wellhead.

2. The mast assembly as defined in claim 1, the mast carriage assembly comprising first and second pairs of lift arms coupled in parallel relation to each other intermediate the mast support substructure and the rig support platform, each lift arm being pivotally connected at opposite ends to the mast support substructure and the rig support platform, respectively, the combination of each pair of lift arms with the mast support substructure and the rig support platform defining a parallelogram throughout the range of movement of the mast support assembly from the transport position to the workover position.

3. The mast assembly as defined in claim 1, the first and second power means each comprising a hydraulic cylinder assembly having piston and rod elements, the cylinder and rod element of the first power means each being pivotally connected to the rig support platform and the mast support substructure, respectively, and the cylinder and rod element of the second power means each being pivotally connected to the mast support structure and the mast, respectively.

4. In a hoist rig of the type including a portable rig support platform and an elongated mast, the combination with the rig support platform of apparatus coupled intermediate the rig support platform and mast for erecting the mast from a substantially horizontal transport position overlying the rig support platform to an upright hoist position overlying an operating zone, the erection apparatus comprising a cantilever support base coupled in pivotal engagement with the base of the mast, first and second pairs of lift arms coupled in parallel relation to each other on laterally opposite sides of the cantilever support base with each lift arm being pivotally connected at opposite ends to the rig support platform and the cantilever support base, respectively, the combination of each pair of lift arms with the cantilever support base and rig support platform defining a parallelogram for maintaining the cantilever base in parallel alignment with the rig support platform throughout its range of movement from the transport position to the upright hoist position.

5. A transportable mast assembly comprising, in combination:

a trailer having a load bearing frame including a rear deck for supporting hoist operations and a forward deck having a coupling member for towing engagement with a tractor;

an elongated mast having a base portion and a crown portion;

an intermediate support base including a carriage assembly and a cantilever portion projecting from the carriage assembly;

means coupled intermediate the rear deck and the carriage assembly for moving the intermediate support base from a transport position in generally parallel alignment with and overlying the rear deck to an elevated operating position in generally parallel alignment with the rear deck wherein the cantilever portion is extended beyond the tailboard of the rear deck;

means connecting the base portion of the mast in hinged engagement with the cantilever portion for permitting pivotal movement of the mast from a reclining transport position overlying the rear and forward decks to an erect hoist position extending above and resting in load bearing engagement upon the cantilever portion; and

,

means coupled intermediate the carriage assembly and the base section of the mast for driving the mast in pivotal movement about the hinge means from the reclining transport position to the erect hoist position.

6. The transportable mast assembly as defined in claim 5 including an upstanding tie-down bar connected to the forward deck for engaging the mast at a point intermediate the crown and base sections and for supporting the crown section in spaced relation with the forward deck when the mast is disposed in the reclining transport position.

7. The transportable mast assembly as defined in claim 5 including first and second struts having ground engaging stabilizer pads coupled in hinged engagement with the cantilever portion of the intermediate support base, first and second chains connected intermediate the load bearing trailer frame and the struts, respectively, a third chain connected intermediate the first and second struts, and means coupled to each chain for adjusting its effective length.

8. The transportable mast assembly as defined in claim 5 including first and second pairs of ground engaging jacks secured to the forward and rear decks, respectively, for stabilizing the load bearing frame of the trailer during hoist operations.

9. The transportable mast assembly as defined in claim 5, the elongated mast comprising first and second mast sections each having base and crown portions, and a crown block interconnecting the crown portions, the first and second mast sections being laterally spaced with respect to each other thereby defining a load lifting zone intermediate the mast sections, the base portions each having forward and rear legs which are structurally interconnected, the forward legs of each mast section being connected in hinged engagement on opposite sides of the cantilever portion, and the rear legs being disposed for load bearing engagement upon the cantilever portion when the mast is erected to the upstanding hoist position.

10. Drawworks for lifting a load comprising:

a base platform;

a mast standing erect on the base platform;

load engaging means disposed for reciprocal movement through a vertical load lifting zone intermediate the base platform and the top of the mast;

a power transmission system for raising and lowering a load transported by the load engaging means including first and second cable systems coupled intermediate the load engaging means and the base platform, fixed sheave means mounted on the mast engaging the cable systems and guiding the load engaging means through the load lifting zone, and traveling sheave means engaging the first and second cable systems, respectively, and mounted for movement along the base platform through a stroke pathway which extends transversely with respect to the load lifting zone, whereby the load engaging means moves in response to movement of the traveling sheave means; and

,

extensible linear actuator means carried on the base platform having rod and housing elements, one of the elements being anchored to the platform and the other element carrying the traveling sheave means through the transverse stroke pathway for displacing the load engaging means through the load lifting zone in response to extension of the rod and housing elements relative to each other.

11. Draw works as defined in claim 10 wherein the rod element of the actuator is anchored to the base platform, the housing element being extendable along the rod element and carrying the traveling sheave means.

12. Draw works as defined in claim 10, the power transmission system including a third cable system coupled intermediate the load engaging means and the base platform, the third cable system being disposed in cooperative reeved engagement with the traveling sheave means and fixed sheave means for displacing the load engaging means through the load lifting zone in the direction opposite to the first direction in response to retraction of the rod and housing elements relative to each other.

13. Draw works for a hoist rig of the type including a horizontally extending base platform and a mast standing on the base platform comprising, in combination:

a crown block supported on the mast at a predetermined elevation above the base platform;

a traveling block disposed for reciprocal movement along the mast through a vertical load lifting zone intermediate the base platform and the crown block;

first and second crown sheaves rotatably mounted on the crown block;

first and second base sheaves rotatably mounted on the base platform;

a linear hydraulic actuator carried on said base platform having rod and housing elements, one of the elements being anchored to the base platform and the other element being supported for reciprocal movement along a stroke pathway extending transversely with respect to the load lifting zone;

first and second traveling sheaves rotatably mounted on the movable actuator element; and

,

first and second cables each having a first end portion attached to the traveling block, a second end portion anchored to the base platform, and an intermediate portion being successively reeved around the first and second crown sheaves, respectively, thence around the first and second base sheaves, respectively, and finally around the first and second traveling sheaves, respectively.

14. Draw works for lifting pipe from a well or for snubbing pipe into a well against the pressure of the well comprising:

a base platform;

an upright mast anchored to the base platform;

pipe engaging means movable along the mast having slip means for engaging the pipe and transmitting a snubbing force against the pipe in response to downward movement of the pipe engaging means and for transmitting a lifting force against the pipe in response to upward movement of the pipe engaging means;

a linear hydraulic actuator carried on said base platform having rod and housing elements, one of the elements being anchored to the base platform and the other element being supported for extension and retraction along a stroke pathway extending transversely with respect to the mast;

a traveling hoist sheave assembly journalled on the movable actuator element;

a traveling snub sheave assembly journalled on the movable actuator element;

a platform snub sheave assembly journalled on the base platform in the stroke pathway forward of the position reached by the traveling snub sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in extension;

a hoist power transmission system for driving the pipe engaging means upwardly along the mast including a crown hoist sheave assembly journalled near the top of the mast, a base hoist sheave assembly journalled near the bottom of the mast, and hoist cable means having a first end portion connected to the top of the pipe engaging means, a second end portion anchored to the base platform in the stroke pathway aft of the position reached by the traveling hoist sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in retraction, and an intermediate length extending upwardly along the mast, passing around the crown sheave means, extending downwardly along the mast and passing around the base hoist sheave assembly, extending forward along the base platform in parallel with the stroke pathway, passing around the traveling hoist sheave assembly and extending aft along the base platform to the anchor point; and

,

a snub power transmission system for driving the pipe engaging means downwardly along the mast including a crown snub sheave assembly journalled near the top of the mast, first and second base snub sheave assemblies journalled near the bottom of the mast, and snub cable means having a first end portion connected to the bottom of the pipe engaging means, a second end portion anchored to the base platform forward of the position reached by the traveling snub sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in extension, and an intermediate length extending from the pipe engaging means extending downwardly from the pipe engaging means along the mast, passing around the first base snub sheave assembly, extending upwardly along the mast in parallel with the hoist cable means, passing around the crown snub sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the mast in parallel with the hoist cable means, passing around the second base snub sheave assembly, extending forward along the base platform and passing around the platform snub sheave assembly, extending aft along the base platform and passing around the traveling snub sheave assembly, and extending forward along the base platform to the snub anchor point.

15. Draw works comprising:

a base platform;

an upstanding mast anchored to the base platform having structurally interconnected mast sections defining a vertical load transport zone along one side of the mast;

a traveling block including releasable slip means for gripping and exerting an upwardly or a downwardly directed force on a tubular member extending through the slip means;

a linear hydraulic actuator having rod and cylinder elements, one of the elements being anchored to the base platform and the other element being disposed for reciprocal movement along a stroke pathway extending generally parallel with the base platform;

a power transmission system for transporting the traveling block through the load transport zone including first and second traveling sheave assemblies journalled on the movable actuator element, first and second cable systems attached to vertically opposite sides of the traveling block and anchored to the base platform forward and aft of the positions reached by the traveling sheave assemblies during extension and retraction, respectively, first and second guide sheave assemblies journalled on the mast and on the base platform for guiding intermediate lengths of the first and second cable systems along parallel paths through the load transport zone and in parallel relation along the stroke path, an intermediate portion of the first cable system being disposed in reeved engagement with the first traveling sheave assembly and extending aft along the stroke path to the aft anchor point, and an intermediate portion of the second cable system being disposed in reeved engagement with the second traveling sheave assembly and extending forwardly along the stroke path to the forward anchor point, whereby the traveling block is driven upwardly and downwardly through the load transport zone in response to extension and retraction of the rod and housing elements, respectively.

16. Draw works for hoisting or snubbing a load comprising:

a base platform;

a mast standing erect on the base platform;

load engaging means disposed for reciprocal movement through a vertical load transport zone intermediate the base platform and the top of the mast;

a power transmission system for raising and lowering a load transported by the load engaging means including first and second cable systems coupled intermediate the load engaging means and the base platform, fixed sheave means journalled on the mast separately engaging the cable systems and guiding the load engaging means through the load transport zone, traveling sheave means separately engaging the first and second cable systems, respectively, and disposed for movement along the base platform through a stroke pathway which extends transversely with respect to the load transport zone, and fixed sheave means journalled on the base platform separately engaging the first and second cable systems and guiding the cable systems along separate runs aft and forward of the traveling sheave means, respectively, whereby the load engaging means is driven upwardly and downwardly in response to reciprocal movement of the traveling sheave means through the stroke pathway; and

a linear hydraulic actuator carried on the base platform having rod and housing elements, one of the elements being anchored to the platform and the other carrying the traveling sheave means through the transverse stroke pathway, whereby the load engaging means is driven upwardly or downwardly through the load transport zone in response to extension and retraction of the rod and housing elements relative to each other, respectively.

17. Draw works for hoisting or snubbing a pipe string load comprising:

a base platform;

a mast standing erect on the base platform;

load engaging means disposed for reciprocal movement through a vertical load transport zone intermediate the base platform and the top of the mast;

a linear hydraulic actuator having rod and cylinder elements, one of the elements being anchored to the base platform and the other element being movable along a stroke pathway extending transversely with respect to the load transport zone; and

,

a power transmission system for driving the load engaging means through the load transport zone, the power transmission system including sheave means separately journalled on the mast, base platform and movable actuator element, respectively, hoist and snub cables coupled intermediate the load engaging means and the base platform, with intermediate portions of the hoist and snub cables being disposed in reeved engagement with the sheave means, whereby the hoist and snub cables coact with the sheave means for driving the load engaging means through the load transport zone in response to extension and retraction of the actuator elements.

18. Draw works as defined in claim 17, the mast comprising first and second elongated mast sections each having base and crown portions, and a crown block interconnecting the crown portions, the first and second mast sections being laterally spaced with respect to each other thereby defining lateral boundaries for the vertical load transport zone, the load engaging means comprising a traveling block extending laterally through the load transport zone and suspended by the cable systems in a horizontal position relative to the base platform throughout its range of movement in the load transport zone.

19. Draw works as defined in claim 17, the first and second cable systems each having terminal portions connected to vertically opposite sides of the load engaging means, respectively, each cable system comprising at least two cables with the terminal portions of each cable pair being connected on laterally opposite sides of the load engaging means.

20. Draw works as defined in claim 17, the power transmission system comprising:

a traveling hoist sheave assembly journalled on the movable actuator element;

a traveling snub sheave assembly journalled on the movable actuator element;

a platform snub sheave assembly journalled on the base platform in the stroke pathway forward of the position reached by the traveling snub sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in extension;

a hoist subsystem for driving the pipe engaging means upwardly along the mast including a crown hoist sheave assembly journalled near the top of the mast, a base hoist sheave assembly journalled near the bottom of the mast, and hoist cable means having a first end portion connected to the top of the pipe engaging means, a second end portion anchored to the base platform in the stroke pathway aft of the position reached by the traveling hoist sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in retraction, and an intermediate length extending upwardly along the mast, passing around the crown sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the mast and passing around the base hoist sheave assembly, extending forward along the base plaftorm in parallel with the stroke pathway, passing around the traveling hoist sheave assembly and extending aft along the base platform to the anchor point; and

,

a snub subsystem for driving the pipe engaging means downwardly along the mast including a crown snub sheave assembly journalled near the top of the mast, first and second base snub sheave assemblies journalled near the bottom of the mast, and snub cable means having a first end portion connected to the bottom of the pipe engaging means, a second end portion anchored to the base platform forward of the position reached by the traveling snub sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in extension, and an intermediate length extending from the pipe engaging means downwardly along the mast, passing around the first base snub sheave assembly, extending upwardly along the mast in parallel with the hoist cable means, passing around the crown snub sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the mast in parallel with the hoist cable means, passing around the second base snub sheave assembly, extending forward along the base platform and passing around the platform snub sheave assembly, extending aft along the base platform and passing around the traveling snub sheave assembly, and extending forward along the base platform to the snub anchor point.

21. Draw works as defined in claim 17, the power transmission system including:

a crown block supported on the mast at a predetermined elevation above the base platform;

a hoist sheave assembly and snub sheave assembly journalled on the crown block;

a hoist sheave assembly and snub sheave assembly journalled on the base platform;

a snub sheave assembly journalled on the mast near the base platform;

the hoist cables being laterally spaced and each having an intermediate length extending from the load engaging means upwardly along the aft side of the mast, passing around the crown hoist sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the forward side of the mast and passing around the base hoist sheave assembly;

the snub cables being laterally spaced and each having an intermediate length extending from the vertically opposite side of the load engaging means downwardly along the aft side of the mast, passing around the lower mast snub sheave assembly, extending upwardly along the forward side of the mast, passing around the crown snub sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the forward side of the mast, and passing around the base snub sheave assembly; and

,

a traveling crossbar interconnecting the downwardly extending hoist cables at a common length from the load engaging means, and also interconnecting the upwardly extending snub cables at a common length from the load engaging means, whereby the hoist and snub cables are anchored together for concurrent movement relative to each other.

22. Draw works as defined in claim 21, the sheaves of the crown hoist sheave assembly and the sheaves of the crown snub sheave assembly being journalled about axes which are mutually perpendicular, the axes of the crown hoist sheaves being in axial alignment, the axes of the crown snub sheaves extending in parallel with each other, and the crown snub sheaves being centered with respect to the crown hoist sheaves whereby the hoist and snub cables on the forward side of the mast being substantially co-planar with each other, and the traveling crossbar having vertically extending openings through which the downwardly extending snub cables pass.

23. Draw works as defined in claim 17, the sheave means journalled on the base platform and on the movable actuator element within the stroke pathway each including a trunnion and multiple sheaves journalled on the trunnion, the intermediate portions of the hoist and snub cables interconnecting the multiple sheaves in a multiple purchase arrangement whereby displacement of the movable actuator element will drive the load engaging means a greater proportional distance through the load transport zone.

24. Draw works as defined in claim 17, the sheave means journalled on the movable actuator element comprising a trunnion mounted near the end of the movable actuator element having bearing members projecting radially with respect to the axis of the movable actuator element, first and second traveling hoist sheave assemblies journalled on an opposite pair of the bearing members, and first and second traveling snub sheave assemblies journalled on the remaining pair of bearing members, intermediate portions of the hoist cables being reeved in a multiple purchase arrangement with the first and second traveling hoist sheave assemblies, and intermediate portions of the snub cables being reeved in a corresponding multiple purchase arrangement with the first and second traveling hoist sheave assemblies.

25. Draw works as defined in claim 17, the load engaging means comprising a traveling block having a rotary table and pipe slip and snubber bowls carried on the rotary table for engaging the pipestring.

26. In a workover rig for use with an oil well having an outer casing adapted to receive an inner pipe string and a well head including a flange connector coupled to the outer casing, the workover rig having a mast structure for vertical disposition above the well head, pipe engaging means disposed for reciprocal movement through a load transport zone along the mast, means for driving the pipe engaging means through the load transport zone while transferring the load imposed on the pipe engaging means to the mast, and structure for supporting the mast in an erect position overlying the well head, the combination with the mast support structure of a vertically adjustable stack assembly interposed between the mast and the well head flange connector for transmitting mast loads to the casing, the vertically adjustable stack assembly comprising:

a stack flange connector for engaging the well head flange connector;

first coupling means interconnecting the stack flange connector and the mast support structure, the length of the first coupling means being adjustable to drive the stack flange connector into compressive engagement with the well head flange connector; and

,

second coupling means interconnecting the stack flange connector and the mast, the length of the second coupling means being vertically adjustable to transfer the weight of the mast from the mast support structure to the well casing.

27. The combination as defined in claim 26, the first stack coupling means comprising:

a horizontal cross beam carrying the stack flange connector;

first and second upright support columns connected to the cross beam on laterally opposite sides of the stack flange connector;

first and second strut means projecting from the mast support structure each carrying a coupling member disposed in telescoping engagement with the first and second support columns, respectively; and

,

the second stack coupling means comprising;

third and fourth upright support columns connected intermediate the cross beam and the mast on laterally opposite sides of the stack flange connector, the intermediate length of the third and fourth upright support columns being vertically adjustable after the stack flange connector has been secured to the well head flange connector to transfer the weight of the mast from the mast support structure to the well casing.

28. The combination as defined in claim 27, the lower end portions of the first and second upright support columns being disposed in threaded engagement with the strut coupling members.

29. The combination as defined in claim 27, the first and second support columns each having a plurality of holes extending through their walls in equally spaced relation along the length of the columns, the horizontal cross beam having fastener collars on laterally opposite sides of the stack flange connector disposed in sliding concentric engagement with the support columns, the fastener collars each having a hole extending through their walls, and first and second stay pins disposed in registration engagement with the aligned holes of the support columns and the fastener collars.

30. The combination as defined in claim 26, the stack flange connector comprising an annular flange for mating engagement with the well head flange connector, and an annular stripper coaxially disposed with the annular flange for resiliently engaging the inner pipe string and sealing the annulus between the casing and the pipestring.

31. The combination as defined in claim 26, including slip means carried on the mast in vertical alignment with the stack flange connector for engaging and supporting the pipestring.

32. The combination as defined in claim 26, including a bolster assembly attached to the second coupling means for providing lateral support for a length of inner pipe string extending between the mast and the well head flange.

33. The combination as defined in claim 32, the bolster assembly comprising a plurality of bolster plates each having a central opening for receiving the length of pipe string, means linking the bolster plates for vertical movement relative to each other in parallel, stacked relation with their control openings concentrically aligned, and fastener means securing the bolster plates to the second coupling means in vertically spaced relation to each other.

34. In a workover rig for use with an oil well having an outer casing adapted to receive an inner pipe string and a well head including a flange connector coupled to the outer casing, the workover rig having a mast structure for vertical disposition above the well head, pipe engaging means disposed for reciprocal movement through a load transport zone along the mast, means for driving the pipe engaging means through the load transport zone while transferring the load imposed on the pipe engaging means to the mast, the combination with the mast of a stack assembly interposed between the mast and the well head flange connector for transmitting loads imposed on the mast by the pipe engaging means to the casing, the stack assembly comprising:

a stack flange connector for engaging the well head flange connector;

load coupling means interconnecting the stack flange connector and the mast; and

,

a bolster assembly attached to the load coupling means for providing lateral support for a length of inner pipe string extending between the mast and the well head flange.

35. The combination as defined in claim 34, the bolster assembly comprising a plurality of bolster plates each having a central opening for receiving the length of pipe string, means linking the bolster plates for vertical movement relative to each other in parallel, stacked relation with their central openings concentrically aligned, and fastener means securing the bolster plates to the load coupling means in vertically spaced relation to each other.

36. The combination as defined in claim 34,

the load coupling means including a horizontal cross beam carrying the stack flange connector and upright support columns connected intermediate the cross beams and the mast on laterally opposite sides of the stack flange connector;

and,

the bolster assembly including a plurality of bolster plates each having central openings for receiving the length of pipe string and clevis fasteners formed along opposite sides of each plate engaging the upright support columns, link elements interconnected in a scissors arrangement on opposite sides of the bolster plates for permitting accordion-like movement of the bolster plates relative to each other in parallel, stacked relation with their central openings concentrically aligned, and clevis bolts securing the clevis fasteners to the upright support columns at a plurality of vertically spaced locations intermediate the mast and the stack flange connector.

37. A well drilling rig comprising, in combination:

a rigid mast structure for disposition vertically above a bore hole site;

pipe engaging means movable along the mast having an opening through which a tubular drill string including collars may pass and slip means for engaging the drill string to support the drill string and transmit vertical forces;

means for moving the pipe engaging means along the mast to raise and lower the pipe engaging means including a rotatable drill sub for stabbing engagement with the tubular drill string;

a drill power assembly movable along the mast in alignment with the bore hole axis above the pipe engaging means;

vertically yieldable support means interconnecting the drill power assembly and the pipe engaging means for permitting vertical displacement of the drill power assembly relative to the pipe engaging means while preventing rotation of the drill power assembly due to reacting torque forces on the drill power assembly which arise in response to rotary forces applied to the drill string.

38. The well drilling rig as defined in claim 37, the vertically yieldable support means comprising first and second upstanding stab receptacles anchored to the topside of the pipe engaging means on laterally opposite sides of the slip means, and first and second stab elements downwardly depending from the underside of the power drill assembly in stabbing alignment with the stab receptacles, each stab element being supported for vertical reciprocal movement between retracted and extended positions, and resilient means separately biasing each stab element to the fully extended position.

39. The well drilling rig as defined in claim 37, each stab element including a tubular housing anchored to the power drill assembly, a stanchion anchored to the power drill assembly and projecting through the tubular housing, a tubular piston telescopically received in overlapping engagement with the tubular housing, a spring coiled around the stanchion and anchored on one end to the tubular housing and anchored on its opposite end to the tubular piston, a stab rod projecting from the piston for stabbing engagement with the stab receptacle, the stab rod having a cavity for receiving the lower end of the stanchion when the piston is fully retracted, and a radially projecting collar secured to the piston near the union of the piston and stab rod for engaging the top of the stab receptacle.

40. The drilling rig as defined in claim 37, including crown sheave means journalled on the upper end of the mast, the means for moving the pipe engaging means including hoist cable means having an end portion attached to the pipe engaging means and an intermediate portion disposed in reeved engagement with the crown sheave means, and guide hooks carried by the yieldable support means engaging the hoist cable means.

41. The well drilling rig as defined in claim 37, including base sheave means journalled to the lower end of the mast structure, the means for moving the pipe engaging means including snub cable means having an end portion connected to the pipe engaging means and an intermediate portion disposed in reeved engagement with the base sheave means for exerting a downward force on the pipe engaging means.

42. The well drilling rig as defined in claim 37, the load engaging means comprising a traveling block having a rotary table and selectively actuable pipe gripping means carried on the rotary table for engaging the drill string.

44. The well drilling rig as defined in claim 42, wherein the traveling block is provided with roller means which cooperatively engage and guide the traveling block along the mast.

45. A workover rig for launching and recovering pipe strings in a well comprising, in combination:

a rig support platform;

a mast support substructure mounted on the rig support platform for movement from a reclining transport position overlying the rig support platform to an elevated workover position overlying the well;

an elongated mast pivotally mounted on the mast support substructure for movement from a reclining transport position overlying the rig support platform to an erect workover position overlying and engaging the mast support substructure;

first power means operatively coupled intermediate the rig support platform and the mast support substructure for selectively moving the mast support substructure between the transport position and the elevated workover position;

second power means operatively coupled intermediate the mast support substructure and the mast for selectively moving the mast from the reclining transport position and the erect workover position;

load engaging means disposed for reciprocal movement through a vertical load transport zone intermediate the mast support substructure and the top of the mast;

a linear hydraulic actuator having rod and cylinder elements, one of the elements being anchored to rig base platform and the other element being movable along a stroke pathway extending transversely with respect to the load transport zone; and

,

a power transmission system for driving the load engaging means through the load transport zone, the power transmission system including sheave means separately journalled on the mast, rig platform and movable actuator element, respectively, hoist and snub cables coupled intermediate the load engaging means and the rig platform, with intermediate portions of the hoist and snub cables being disposed in reeved engagement with the sheave means, whereby the hoist and snub cables coact with the sheave means for driving the load engaging means through the load transport zone in response to extension and retraction of the actuator elements.

43. The well drilling rig as defined in claim 48, the pipe gripping means comprising pipe slip and snubber bowls.

46. The workover rig as defined in claim 45 wherein the rig support platform comprises a portable trailer.

47. The workover rig as defined in claim 46, the mast support substructure comprising first and second pairs of lift arms coupled in parallel relation to each other intermediate the mast support substructure and the rig support platform, each lift arm being pivotally connected at opposite ends to the mast support substructure and the rig support platform, respectively, the combination of each pair of lift arms with the mast support substructure and the rig support platform defining a parallelogram throughout the range of movement of the mast support assembly from the transport position to the workover position.

48. The workover rig as defined in claim 45, the first and second power means each comprising a hydraulic cylinder assembly having piston and rod elements, the cylinder and rod element of the first power means each being pivotally connected to the rig support platform and the mast support substructure, respectively, and the cylinder and rod element of the second power means each being pivotally connected to the mast support structure and the mast, respectively.

49. The workover rig as defined in claim 45, the mast support substructure including a cantilever mast support base projecting beyond the portable rig support platform in the workover position.

50. The workover rig as defined in claim 45, the mast support substructure comprising a cantilever mast support base and first and second pairs of lift arms coupled in parallel relation to each other on laterally opposite sides of the cantilever support base with each lift arm being pivotally connected at opposite ends to the rig support platform and the cantilever support base, respectively, the combination of each pair of lift arms with the cantilever support base and rig support platform defining a parallelogram for maintaining the cantilever support base in parallel alignment with the base platform member throughout the range of movement from the transport position to the elevated position of use.

51. A workover rig as defined in claim 45 wherein the rod element of the linear hydraulic actuator is anchored to the rig support platform, the housing element being extendable along the rod element and carrying traveling sheave means through a horizontal stroke pathway, and including a guide tube anchored to the rig support tube receiving the horizontally projecting end of the extendable actuator housing element in telescoping, overlapping relation for stabilizing the actuator housing element.

52. A workover rig for launching and recovering pipe strings in an offshore well comprising, in combination:

a barge transportable skid for offshore duty;

a mast pivotally coupled to the skid for erection from a reclining transport position to an upright workover position, the mast having structurally interconnected mast sections defining a load transport zone along the mast;

a traveling block including releasable slip means for gripping and exerting an upwardly or a downwardly directed force on a tubular member extending through the slip means;

a linear hydraulic actuator having rod and cylinder elements, one of the elements being anchored to the skid and the other element being disposed for reciprocal movement along a stroke pathway extending generally parallel with the skid; and

,

a power transmission system for driving the traveling block through the load transport zone, the power transmission system including sheave means separately journalled on the mast, rig platform and movable actuator element, respectively, hoist and snub cables coupled intermediate the load engaging means and the rig platform, with intermediate portions of the hoist and snub cables being disposed in reeved engagement with the sheave means, whereby the hoist and snub cables coact with the sheave means for driving the load engaging means through the load transport zone in response to extension and retraction of the actuator elements.

53. The workover rig as defined in claim 52, the barge transportable skid comprising:

an elongated below deck supporting the linear hydraulic actuator and sheave means;

an elongated super deck supported on the below deck at an elevation above the hydraulic actuator and sheaves;

safety rails extending along both sides of the super deck; and

,

a pipe rack secured to the super deck intermediate the safety rails, thereby defining walkways intermediate the safety rails and the pipe rack.

54. In a workover rig adapted for use with a well having an outer well pipe enclosing casing terminating at a flanged well head, support structure for a transportable mast comprising:

a trailer having a load bearing frame including a rear deck for supporting hoist operations and a forward deck having a coupling member for towing engagement with a tractor;

first and second pairs of ground engaging jacks secured to the forward and rear decks, respectively, for stabilizing the load bearing frame of the trailer during workover operations;

an intermediate mast support base including a carriage assembly and a cantilever portion projection from the carriage assembly;

first and second struts having ground engaging stabilizer pads coupled in hinged engagement with the cantilever portion of the intermediate support base, first and second chains connected intermediate the load bearing trailer frame and the struts, respectively, a third chain connected intermediate the first and second struts, and means coupled to each chain for adjusting its effective length;

means coupled intermediate the rear deck and the carriage assembly for moving the intermediate support base from a transport position overlying the rear deck to an elevated operating position wherein the cantilever portion is extended beyond the tailboard of the rear deck;

means connecting the base portion of the mast in hinged engagement with the cantilever portion for permitting pivotal movement of the mast from a reclining transport position overlying the rear and forward decks to an erect hoist position extending above and resting in load bearing engagement upon the cantilever portion;

means coupled intermediate the carriage assembly and the base section of the mast for driving the mast in pivotal movement about the hinge means from the reclining transport position to the erect hoist position;

a stack flange connector for engaging the well head flange connector;

first coupling means anchoring the stack flange connector to the trailer frame, the length of the first coupling means being adjustable to drive the stack flange connector into compressive engagement with the well head flange connector; and

,

second coupling means anchoring the stack flange connector to the intermediate mast support base, the length of the second coupling means being vertically adjustable to transfer the weight of the mast from the mast support structure to the well casing.

55. The combination as defined in claim 54, the carriage assembly comprising first and second pairs of lift arms coupled in parallel relation to each other on laterally opposite sides of the cantilever support base with each lift arm being pivotally connected at opposite ends to the trailer deck and the cantilever support base, respectively, the combination of each pair of lift arms with the cantilever support base and rig support platform defining a parallelogram for maintaining the cantilever base in parallel alignment with the rig support platform throughout its range of movement from the transport position on the elevated workover position.

56. A workover rig for launching and recovering pipe strings in a well comprising, in combination:

a rig support platform;

a mast support structure mounted on the rig support platform for movement from a reclining transport position overlying the rig support platform to an elevated workover position overlying the well;

an elongated mast pivotally mounted on the mast carriage assembly for movement from a reclining transport position overlying the rig support platform to an erect workover position overlying and engaging the mast support substructure;

first power means operatively coupled intermediate the rig support platform and the mast support assembly for selectively moving the mast support substructure between the transport position and the elevated workover position;

second power means operatively coupled intermediate the mast support assembly and the mast for selectively moving the mast from the reclining transport position and the erect workover position;

load engaging means disposed for reciprocal movement through a vertical load transport zone intermediate the mast support substructure and the top of the mast;

a linear hydraulic actuator having rod and cylinder elements, one of the elements being anchored to rig base platform and the other element being movable along a stroke pathway extending transversely with respect to the load transport zone; and

a power transmission system for driving the load engaging means through the load transport zone, the power transmission system including;

a traveling hoist sheave assembly journalled on the movable actuator element;

a traveling snub sheave assembly journalled on the movable actuator element;

a platform snub sheave assembly journalled on the rig support platform in the stroke pathway forward of the position reached by the traveling snub sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in extension;

a hoist power transmission system for driving the pipe engaging means upwardly along the mast including a crown hoist sheave assembly journalled near the top of the mast, a base hoist sheave assembly journalled near the bottom of the mast, and hoist cable means having a first end portion connected to the top of the pipe engaging means, a second end portion anchored to the base platform in the stroke pathway aft of the position reached by the traveling hoist sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in retraction, and an intermediate length extending upwardly along the mast, passing around the crown sheave means, extending downwardly along the mast and passing around the base hoist sheave assembly, extending forward along the rig support platform in parallel with the stroke pathway, passing around the traveling hoist sheave assembly and extending aft along the rig support platform to the anchor point; and

,

a snub power transmission system for driving the pipe engaging means downwardly along the mast including a crown snub sheave assembly journalled near the top of the mast, first and second base snub sheave assemblies journalled near the bottom of the mast, and snub cable means having a first end portion connected to the bottom of the pipe engaging means, a second end portion anchored to the rig support platform forward of the position reached by the traveling snub sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in extension, and an intermediate length extending from the pipe engaging means extending downwardly from the pipe engaging means along the mast, passing around the first base snub sheave assembly, extending upwardly along the mast in parallel with the hoist cable means, passing around the crown snub sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the mast in parallel with the hoist cable means, passing around the second base snub sheave assembly, extending forward along the base platform and passing around the platform snub sheave assembly, extending aft along the rig support platform and passing around the traveling snub sheave assembly, and extending forward along the rig support platform to the snub anchor point.

57. A workover rig for launching and recovering pipe strings in an offshore well comprising, in combination:

a barge transportable skid for offshore duty;

a mast pivotally coupled to the skid for erection from a reclining transport position to an upright workover position, the mast having structurally interconnected mast sections defining a load transport zone along the mast;

a traveling block including releasable slip means for gripping and exerting an upwardly or a downwardly directed force on a tubular member extending through the slip means;

a linear hydraulic actuator having rod and cylinder elements, one of the elements being anchored to the skid and the other element being disposed for reciprocal movement along a stroke pathway extending generally parallel with the skid; and

,

a power transmission system for driving the traveling block through the load transport zone, the power transmission system including;

a traveling hoist sheave assembly journalled on the movable actuator element;

a traveling snub sheave assembly journalled on the movable actuator element;

a platform snub sheave assembly journalled on the base platform in the stroke pathway forward of the position reached by the traveling snub sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in extension;

a hoist subsystem for driving the pipe engaging means upwardly along the mast including a crown hoist sheave assembly journalled near the top of the mast, a base hoist sheave assembly journalled near the bottom of the mast, and hoist cable means having a first end portion connected to the top of the pipe engaging means, a second end portion anchored to the base platform in the stroke pathway aft of the position reached by the traveling hoist sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in retraction, and an intermediate length extending upwardly along the mast, passing around the crown sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the mast and passing around the base hoist sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the mast and passing around the base hoist sheave assembly, extending forward along the base platform in parallel with the stroke pathway, passing around the traveling hoist sheave assembly and extending aft along the base platform to the anchor point; and

,

a snub subsystem for driving the pipe engaging means downwardly along the mast including a crown snub sheave assembly journalled near the top of the mast, first and second base snub sheave assemblies journalled near the bottom of the mast, and snub cable means having a first end portion connected to the bottom of the pipe engaging means, a second end portion anchored to the base platform forward of the position reached by the traveling snub sheave assembly at the limit of its travel in extension, and an intermediate length extending from the pipe engaging means downwardly along the mast, passing around the first base snub sheave assembly, extending upwardly along the mast in parallel with the hoist cable means, passing around the crown snub sheave assembly, extending downwardly along the mast in parallel with the hoist cable means, passing around the second base snub sheave assembly, extending forward along the base platform and passing around the platform snub sheave assembly, extending aft along the base platform and passing around the traveling snub sheave assembly, and extending forward along the base platform to the snub anchor point.