Safety interlock for control lines
First Claim
1. A method of running a control line along with a tubular string using a gripping apparatus having a gripping element, comprising:
- providing an interlock system for preventing or allowing movement of the gripping element and a protection tool;
moving the control line to a position away from a tubular string;
inserting the protection tool adjacent to the control line;
detecting the presence of the protection tool;
operating the interlock system to allow the gripping element to move toward the tubular string in response to the presence of the protection tool; and
engaging the gripping element with the tubular string, whereby the control line is prevented from engagement with the gripping element.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A protection tool is provided to protect a control line in a safe area while one or more slips of a spider are being closed. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided to prevent the closing of the slips before the control line is pulled away from the tubular string. In yet another embodiment, a safety interlock system includes a safety interlock trigger adapted to be actuated by a protection tool. The safety interlock trigger is adapted to detect the physical presence of the protection tool, and thereafter send a signal to the interlock system to enable an operator or a control mechanism to safely close the slips.
68 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A method of running a control line along with a tubular string using a gripping apparatus having a gripping element, comprising:
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providing an interlock system for preventing or allowing movement of the gripping element and a protection tool; moving the control line to a position away from a tubular string; inserting the protection tool adjacent to the control line; detecting the presence of the protection tool; operating the interlock system to allow the gripping element to move toward the tubular string in response to the presence of the protection tool; and engaging the gripping element with the tubular string, whereby the control line is prevented from engagement with the gripping element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A safety interlock system for controlling operation of a gripping element to prevent damage to a control line, comprising:
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an interlock controller adapted to allow or prevent movement of the gripping element; and an interlock trigger adapted to indicate a position of the control line, wherein the interlock controller allows or prevents movement of the gripping element in response to a signal sent by the interlock trigger indicating the position of the control line. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of running a control line along with a tubular string through a gripping apparatus having a gripping element, comprising:
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providing the gripping apparatus with an interlock system for preventing or allowing movement of the gripping element in response to a position of the control line, wherein the interlock system is configured to prevent movement of the gripping element until the control line is away from the tubular string; moving the control line away from a tubular string; determining the control line is positioned away from the tubular string, and thereafter, allowing the gripping element to move into engagement with the tubular string; and moving the gripping element into engagement with the tubular string. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of running a control line along with a tubular string through a gripping apparatus, comprising:
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moving the control line away from a tubular string; positioning a retaining member between the control line and the tubular string; sending a signal to an interlock controller indicating the retaining member is positioned between the control line and the tubular string; allowing a gripping element to move toward the tubular string in response to the signal; and moving the gripping element into engagement with the tubular string. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A tubular gripping assembly for use with a control line, comprising:
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a slip; a sensing mechanism for determining a position of the control line in the tubular gripping member; and an interlock system for preventing or allowing movement of the slip in response to an interaction between the sensing mechanism and the control line. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification